Photo : Peter Klaunzer/REUTERS
Europe in Brief
By Rosemary Kurian
FRANCE
Macron announces key reforms
On 16 January, Le Monde reported on a rare press conference hosted by Emmanuel Macron, the French President, in the Elysée Palace, outlining his vision for reforms in his last term in office, after a cabinet reshuffle. Macron told the press that he would introduce uniforms in schools on an experiment-basis, make learning of "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem compulsory, and ensure drama classes for all students to make them confident public speakers well versed with key texts. He further planned to regulate children’s screen time for the better use of technology. Macron aims to make the French borders more controlled and crack down on drugs and radical Islam in French streets. Internationally, Macron promised continued support to Ukraine and stated that his decision to join the US alliance against the Houthis in Yemen was to prevent a regional escalation. Macron has turned towards a revitalised last term since the appointment of Gabriel Attal, his new Prime Minister, amid losing support in the country and the Parliament. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right opposition party Rassemblement National (RN), called his press conference “interminable chatter”. (“Macron outlines term's next reforms,” Le Monde, 16 January 2024)
Lafarge company to be probed for complicity to crimes in Syria
On 16 January, Deutsche Welle reported on the French court’s ruling that cement company Lafarge could be held accountable for complicity to crimes against humanity in Syria during the civil war. The Court of Cassation upheld that given Lafarge paid EUR 13 million to possibly elements like the Islamic State to keep its factory in Syria running during the war, they would be held accountable. Lafarge has already pleaded guilty in the US for paying millions to both Islamic State and the Nusra Front. An appeal that was filed by Lafarge’s Swiss parent company Holcim was thrown out by the court, upholding a lower court’s decision. The lawyer representing Sherpa, a French campaign group, called the act a “partial victory”, since they were one step closer to trying the company for crimes against humanity. On accusations that the company put its labour at risk in Syria, the court denied it, given French labour laws do not apply abroad. (“French court rules Lafarge can be probed over Syria crimes,” Deutsche Welle, 16 January 2024)
New education minister criticised over comments about public schools
On 16 January, Politico reported on criticisms faced by Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the newly appointed French education minister, over her lack of respect for the French public schooling system. Oudéa-Castéra came under fire after criticism of her choice to send her children to elitist private schools. Her children go to a Catholic private school in Paris known for its traditional religious approach, a decision she blamed on the absenteeism of her son’s previous public school teacher. She later apologised but has been met with increasing calls to resign from office by unionists and parents’ representatives of the public school system, who say she highlights the failure of President Macron’s administration over the state of the schools. Oudéa-Castéra was earlier under controversy during her term as sports minister for accusations against the British team Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League in 2022. (Victor Goury-Laffont, “Macron’s new education minister under fire over kids’ private education,” Politico, 16 January 2024)
LUXEMBOURG
Frieden wishes to mend ties with Hungary’s Orbán
On 16 January, Politico reported on Luc Frieden, the new Luxembourgian Prime Minister’s plan to ‘build bridges’ between the EU and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Orbán’s government has consistently expressed its criticism of the EU through its pro-Russia stance, disruption of Ukraine’s membership into the EU and EU policies on migration. Orbán had also vetoed an aid package worth EUR 50 billion for Ukraine from the EU. However, Frieden believes that Orbán is pro-European and wants his counterparts in the EU to make an effort to understand him better and be more open to different and opposing views, which could enable them to achieve a common goal. While Frieden supported Orbán, he also expected a Hungarian effort to mend its relationship with the EU. Hungary is believed to be the latest victim of democratic backsliding, leading to the freezing of EUR 11.7 billion of earmarked EU funds. (Nicolas Camut and Barbara Moens, “Luxembourg’s new PM wants to be the EU’s Orbán whisperer,” Politico, 16 January 2024)
THE UK
Politico reports Truss’s lobby over export of security goods to China
On 15 January, Politico reported on a private letter written by former Prime Minister Liz Truss addressed to Kemi Badenoch, the British Business and Trade Secretary, lobbying for the sale of military equipment to China on behalf of Richmond Defence Systems, a firm in her constituency of Norfolk. British security officials had earlier blocked a licence to Richmond Defence Systems from exporting landmine disposal equipment to China. The security rules were made for the safety of the British foreign policy and that of its ally Taiwan. Truss had in 2023 made a speech in Taiwan urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to declare China as a “threat” to the security of Taiwan, also calling for provision of more arms to Taiwan for its self-defence. Truss’ political career including her brief time at 10 Downing Street was built on a harsh anti-China policy, which the letter correspondence has brought into question. Her spokesperson justified the act as concern for her constituents. (Graham Lanktree, “Liz Truss secretly lobbied ministers to ‘expedite’ defense exports to China,” Politico, 15 January 2024)
INTERNATIONAL
Switzerland and China agree to bolster free trade
On 15 January, Deutsche Welle reported on the joint declaration made between Viola Amherd, the Swiss President, and Li Qiang, the Chinese Premier, on the sidelines of the annual meeting in Davos. Both parties agreed to expand the existing free trade agreement, which had stalled post concerns over human rights in China, and improve bilateral relations. Switzerland had in 2013 become the first country in continental Europe to have signed a free trade deal with China. Talks between the foreign ministries of both countries towards a stronger free trade agreement are expected to follow. China has further agreed to provide visa-free entry to Swiss citizens in China, which Switzerland has agreed to reciprocate. China is Switzerland’s third largest trading partner. (“China, Switzerland agree to strengthen trade ties,” Deutsche Welle, 15 January 2024)
Global divisions displayed through diverse speeches by China and EU
On 16 January, Politico reported on the open cracks in global politics as Li Qiang, the Chinese Premier, and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, gave their speeches at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos. Li Qiang offered a speech of a confident China that welcomed foreign investments with “open arms” in an opportune economy that has recently seen a decline and loss of confidence. He emphasised on increased coordination between China and the west in technology, green goals and the free market while calling the US a “capricious” force in global politics. Von der Leyen emphasised on the need for democracy and freedom in a Europe that was portrayed as the global leader to woo investors. She urged for a renewed link between the public and private sector in the face of great divide and confrontation in global politics. This year’s rendezvous at Davos proved to be excessively portraying a divided world, with a small US delegation leaving the Swiss Alps unusually early. (Claudia Chiappa and Jamil Anderlini, “China vs. EU in Davos: Dueling speeches display global divisions,” Politico, 16 January 2024)