The EU’s Brexit negotiator has thrown fresh doubt on France’s long-term future within the EU after he stated that Angela Merkel’s Germany has a better EU strategy than France and noted that for France the future of Europe is “a difficult topic”.
Rumours are swirling that Mr Barnier could be set to launch a presidential bid. Any such bid would cause concerns for Emmanuel Macron, as it would likely split the French pro-European, centre-right vote. In February Mr Barnier said: “I am available to work with all those who want it under the banner of ‘Patriot and European’, so as not to leave this theme to others”.
Some have pointed to a freshly unearthed interview in 2013 where Mr Barnier said in an interview with euroactiv.fr: “I will argue for a European industrial policy.
“It is important that European leaders again find the courage and boldness we had with the ECSC [European Coal and Steel Community]. I will argue for a European Defence Community, which will not be the same that we had imagined in 1954. These are issues on which Europeans together must do more and better”.
Specifically, on Germany and France, Mr Barnier said: “Germany usually has more precise ideas than ours about the future of Europe. In France, it is a difficult topic, as the issue is divisive for both his centre-right UMP party, and the ruling socialist party. What I would dream of is a kind of national convention, a national public debate on the European vision of France”.
UNN’s Oliver Down will continue to monitor this developing situation and will being you more as we get it.
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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