Posing as a defender of a "uninhibited" relationship between France and Africa, Emmanuel Macron announced Saturday, December 21, the upcoming end of the CFA franc, one of the last vestiges of "Françafrique", while he was in Cote d'Ivoire alongside his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara. Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister of Economy who accompanied him, granted an exclusive interview to France 24 and RFI in which he recalls this historic decision.
"It was the African States which played a driving role in this decision and among them Côte d'Ivoire and President Ouattara. They sovereignly decided on a thorough reform", explains Bruno Le Maire. "So it was the end of a common currency that had its advantages but also its disadvantages. It was highly criticized by the new generations," he recalls.
"We are opening a new era in history between France and Africa by ending the CFA franc," said the Minister of the Economy. "I personally think it is a good decision."
"It is also a message addressed to the African youth that we want to support in their choices, in their economic development and their freedom. It is an economic decision and a powerful political message addressed to the whole continent," he affirms. he.
Asked about the transition period from the CFA franc to the Eco, the French minister replied "as soon as possible".
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