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The French president and co-prince of Andorra, Emmanuel Macron (right), welcomed to Ordino, during his visit to Andorra, on September 13, 2019. DOMINIQUE FAGET / AFP

Emmanuel Macron is this Friday, September 13 visiting Andorra, micro-state landlocked between France and Spain in the mountains of the Pyrenees. It is a tradition since the thirteenth century: the head of the French state is also the "co-prince" of Andorra and almost all the presidents of the Fifth Republic have made the trip to here to honor this function. Emmanuel Macron complied with the protocol that the "co-prince" visits the seven major city halls of this country of 85,000 inhabitants. A pilgrimage without making waves.

With our special correspondent in Andorra La Vella, Anthony Lattier

At more than one thousand meters of altitude, the president took height, far from the Parisian tumult. Not a word about the indictment of the President of the Assembly Richard Ferrand , he hardly mentioned the RATP strike on Friday speaking of the fear that may cause a change in pension system.

It was during one of the many crowd baths that marked this long, formal day. A meeting with the elected officials, the signing of the guestbook, a short speech and a stroll among those and many who came to welcome him.

Seven times this ceremonial was repeated in the town halls of the seven parishes of this small landlocked country in the heart of the Pyrenees, where the official photo of "co-prince" Emmanuel Macron adorns all the town halls.

Association Agreement with the EU

The subject that is annoying here is not the pension reform, but the European Union. Difficult negotiations are under way to sign an association agreement with this micro-state that has moved out of the gray list of tax havens . The opportunity for " Macron the European " to push the Andorrans to choose the opening rather than the withdrawal.

"To start this step is not to give up the sovereignty of the Andorran people, " said the French president. It does not dilute his identity either. No. I even believe that we can claim a strong identity by assuming to be fully European. So I know, because I'm keeping it informed, that negotiations can be difficult. I know the courage you have to show to face sometimes the voices of the retreat who never fails to make Brussels the cause of all ills. Without of course exceeding my " co-prince " duties , I can only encourage you to persevere and stay the course. For Andorra at heart, the choice of Europe is the choice of the future. "

On the other hand, Emmanuel Macron kicked in touch when he was questioned about the right to abortion, still banned in Andorra. He did not want to make any waves, during this visit in the form of a parenthesis in his political return.