April 25, 2018
France’s president Emmanuel Macron in front of US Congress — got a standing ovation.
“I believe that against ignorance, we have education — against the threats on the planet, science,” he explained. “I believe in building a better future for our children, which requires offering them a planet that is still habitable in 25 years. Some people think that securing current industries and their jobs is more urgent than transforming our economies to meet the global challenge of climate change. I hear these concerns. But we must find a smooth transition to a low carbon economy.”
Macron on Trump leaving Paris Agreement– “isolationism, withdrawal and nationalism” can temporarily remedy our fears, but that it won’t keep the changes in the world from taking effect.
“We have to keep our eyes wide open to new risks right in front of us,” he continued. “I’m convinced that if we decide to open our eyes wider, we will be stronger. We will overcome the dangers. We will not let the rampaging work of extreme nationalism shake a world full of hopes for greater prosperity.”
September 26, 2018
Macron vs Trump at the UN General Assembly
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron delivered speeches to the UN with almost opposite perspectives on key points.
Here are quotes from their speeches:
Trump:
“America is governed by Americans. We reject the ideology of globalism and we embrace the doctrine of patriotism,”
Macron: “This path I confirm that the unilateralism leads us to withdrawal and conflict.”
Macron: “What will solve the problem of trade imbalances and their consequences for our societies? Common rules… but in no case bilateral treatment of all our commercial differences or new protectionism. That, will not work.”
Trump: “Trade must be fair and reciprocal … but those days are over. We will no longer tolerate such abuse. We will not allow our workers to be victimized – our companies to be cheated and our wealth to be plundered and transferred.”
Macron: “I don’t believe in the idea of unconditional openness. This simply leads to worry and intolerance … I don’t believe in the misleading speech of those who claim particularly in Europe and elsewhere that they will be more protected behind a border closure. That’s not true either.”
Trump: “Illegal immigration exploits vulnerable populations, hurts hardworking citizens, and has produced a vicious circle of crime, violence, and poverty. funds criminal networks, ruthless gangs and the flow of deadly drugs … only by upholding national borders and destroying criminal gangs can we establish a real foundation for prosperity, We recognize the right of every nation in this room to set its own immigration policy in accordance with its national interests.”
Macron: The Iran Deal–“We already know the situation was degrading. But what stopped that? The Vienna Agreement of 2015 … our task is not to fuel tensions but to rather put forward a broader agenda that addresses all concerns …nuclear, ballistic, regional ones …caused by Iranian policies. But this, through dialogue and multilateralism. Being frank, as well as exacting.”
Trump: The Iran Deal–“Iran’s leaders – sow chaos, death, and destruction. We ask all nations to isolate Iran’s regime.”
Macron: “What can resolve the crisis between Israel/Palestine? Well, surely, not unilateral initiatives. Not trampling on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to the legitimate peace. Nor, underestimating Israelis fair right to security. There’s no credible alternative to the two-state solution, living side-by-side in peace and security with Jerusalem, as capital.”
Trump: “This year, we took another significant step forward in the Middle East, in recognition of every sovereign state to determine its own capital. I moved the US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. The United States is committed to a future of peace and stability in the region, including the peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.”