The French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that the BLM movement and the fight against racism should not result in a “hateful” re-writing of history. These comments come after worldwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a police officer in the US.
Some protesters in the United States, Britain and elsewhere have been targeting statues of historic figures associated with slavery or incidents. These figures include but are not limited to Edward Colston; Cristopher Columbus and Robert Baden-Powell.
The French government has already banned police chokeholds and has stated its commitment to stamp out racism among the French police. This has angered police unions, who say they’re being unfairly painted as white supremacists.
In response to these events, President Macron has said in a televised address to the French public: “I will be very clear tonight, compatriots: the Republic won’t erase any name from its history. It will forget none of its artworks, it won’t take down statues”.
President Macron also said, “We should look at all of our history together with lucidity”, which includes its relations with Africa and to this end; the goal must be “truth” instead of “denying who we are”.
The purpose of President Macron’s speech was to as he stated “turn the page” on the coronavirus crisis, as France reopened all premises today. Restaurants in Paris will be allowed to open indoor spaces starting, instead of only outdoor seating as was the case previously. Macron said : “We’ll be able to once again find pleasure in being together. In short, we will be able to find France again”.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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