In the campaign for this between-two-rounds, Emmanuel Macron chose Alsace this Tuesday, April 12 to go in particular to meet health professionals in Mulhouse.
And for his first big meeting since the first round, Emmanuel Macron came to Strasbourg to talk about Europe, a theme on which he wants to make a difference and capture voices from the left.
Putting the “Europe” question forward, thorn in the side or real leverage?
"
20 Minutes"
went to meet "spectators" and activists to find out more.
Small square taken by storm at the foot of Strasbourg Cathedral, tricolor and European flags in shambles, some Ukrainian flags too, all in an idyllic setting and spring weather.
President-candidate Emmanuel Macron held an outdoor “public meeting” on Tuesday evening April 12.
His first "big meeting" for this between-two rounds of the 2022 presidential election.
A coming “in hostile land” one could almost say in view of the card (nearly 10% of additional votes) obtained by Jean-Luc Mélenchon during the first round in the European capital.
Europe is also the theme that came to defend (or advocate) Emmanuel Macron, fishing for left-wing votes but also reassuring his electorate, the president having come out on top in Alsace during the first round.
A long calm river therefore, if not twenty opponents who booed the president and tried to bring the discussion to the social field.
In vain.
They ended up being exfiltrated.
Strasbourg and nowhere else
A profoundly European candidate, Emmanuel Macron came to defend a stronger Europe, a Council of Europe with its human rights, greater energy autonomy... Also an ideal subject to do battle with Marine Le Pen, a candidate not necessarily recognized on this European theme...
But can Europe help soldier Macron?
To be a pebble in the shoe or a real lever to renew his mandate?
Is it risking to make its gondola head a Europe regularly denigrated by the population?
Met during the meeting, Albierto 18 years old and Théo 20 years old, arrived among the first.
“It's one of the only ones that is promising, always in favor of Europe”, assures Théo.
“And with what is happening in Ukraine, it is important!
adds Albierto.
For the two young men, no doubt.
Due to its status as European capital, Strasbourg is the ideal place to come and present your ideas.
“We want to stay in NATO, not to be isolated.
I have family in Germany and I see what is happening with the increase in the price of oil and gas, says Théo,
which recognizes however to be much less pronounced on nuclear power.
I hope he will also talk about the environment… in Europe.
»
"Talking about Europe is giving height to the campaign"
At the foot of the cathedral, it is difficult if not impossible to find people who do not feel concerned by European issues.
Jean-Frédéric, 47, does not budge.
“If there is a place to talk about it, it is here.
If the president speaks about it in Strasbourg from the start, it is a strong signal.
This former member of the RPR appreciates the symbolic value of his presence in the European capital, “up to what it deserves.
He continues: “It's a tough challenge.
It is of course easier and more profitable to talk about purchasing power and security, but from Europe, it means giving height to the campaign.
“Much less convinced but curious all the same, Paul, 24, student, voted Jean-Luc Mélenchon.
Undecided but "ready to take the plunge to block Le Pen", the subject of Europe "is not likely" to convince him.
Him,
he hopes that we “talk social”.
“It's too far from the reality of everyday life, people, it's Europe that sinks them contrary to what they are told.
I preferred an anti-globalization force.
»
"Long live Strasbourg, French city, European city", started Emmanuel Macron who did not fail to point out that this is the tenth time he has come.
Our Europe is peace, it is in danger, the one that I defend, it is the one that we have reformed in depth in recent years.
Nationalism is war, addresses the president to the far right.
Europe is the one that protects us, that protects.
During the pandemic she helped us find and distribute vaccines.
“Words that inevitably touched Hubert, a convinced European, who details:” We owe Europe to be an economic power, as we can see, to isolate oneself is to weaken.
It is an important signal to have come to defend it here, in Strasbourg.
Whatever it takes,
was also possible indirectly thanks to Europe because it ensures the solidity of our economy.
» End of the meeting.
Last “Macron president!
“It was predictable, here in Alsace and particularly in Strasbourg, Europe played at home…
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Presidential election 2022
Emmanuel Macron
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