Latest news with #SophiePrimas
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Macron a failure as president in eyes of most French voters
The majority of French voters think Emmanuel Macron has been a failure as president, new poll figures show. Respondents of a new survey delivered a crushing assessment of the French president's two-term performance, with 82 per cent of voters saying Mr Macron's centrist Renaissance movement has been a 'failure'. The sentiment is shared among 63 per cent of people who also voted for Mr Macron in the 2017 or 2022 elections. More than eight out of 10 people also said they believe that Mr Macron's centrist political ideology, referred to as 'Macronism', will die out with his final term, which wraps up in 2027. The ideology borrows policies from both the Left and Right sides of the political spectrum. The feeling is similarly strong among the president's Renaissance supporters, 59 per cent of whom agreed that the president's centrist movement could disappear by 2027. In France, presidents can serve a maximum of two terms. 'Conclusion is clear' 'In light of these results, the conclusion is clear,' said Céline Bracq, CEO of polling firm Odoxa. 'For the French, Macronism has not established itself as a lasting project, nor as a structuring political movement.' The findings of the Odaxa poll, commissioned by Le Figaro, were released after Sophie Primas, the government spokesman, caused a political firestorm this month when she declared: 'Macronism will probably come to an end in the coming months, with the end of president Macron's second five-year term.' Ms Primas, a member of the Republican party, made the statement in response to a question about Bruno Retailleau, who is currently carrying out a juggling act as both the recently named president of the Republican party and minister of the interior in the president's government. 'The question is how we rebuild what comes next,' Ms Primas said in an interview with Europe1/CNews on May 20, pointing out the lack of an absolute majority in the National Assembly and a government formed by coalitions. Her statements drew fire from Mr Macron's Renaissance party and calls for her resignation. According to the poll results, the president's harshest critics include women, low-income households, and voters aged 50 to 64. The online survey of 1,005 people aged 18 and over was conducted between May 28 and 29. In her analysis, Ms Bracq described the Macronism movement as a 'transitional phase' that was centred on a 'personality and style' rather than a shared ideological base. The poll shows that only one in four voters believe it to be a genuine school of political thought. Collapse of Macron's electoral base Over the years, the president's electoral base has also collapsed: 58 per cent of those who voted for him at least once said they would not vote for him again if given the chance. Instead of building cohesion as Mr Macron intended with the founding of his centrist party, which was touted as an alternative to the legacy parties of the Republicans and Socialists, Macronism has created a bigger divide between Left and Right – and given the Right a leading edge. According to the poll, support for the Right has increased 6 points to 32 per cent, while those who position themselves on the Left has dropped down 9 points to 30 per cent. 'The trend of recent years illustrates the failure of a promise of lasting reorganisation and confirms the growing isolation of a centre that no longer mobilises,' the report reads. 'The French seem to be returning to a more traditional reading of the political landscape.' Gabriel Attal, secretary general of the Renaissance party, is seen as the best successor to Mr Macron, but failed to generate consensus, with just 45 per cent of poll support. Former prime ministers Élisabeth Borne (at 35 per cent) and Édouard Philippe (at 31 per cent) round out the ranking of personalities who best embody Macronism.
El Chorouk
16-05-2025
- Politics
- El Chorouk
Paris's Unlawful Discriminatory Attitude Against Algerians
The escalating Algerian-French diplomatic crisis reveals the limited cards the French authorities have. This explains their position to take a dangerous but despicable decision to target the Algerian community residing in France, a move that could escalate the crisis to the level of a rupture. In the latest development in this regard, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said on Thursday, May 15, 2025, that 'the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the President of the Republic, and the Prime Minister are working today on other, more important measures, particularly regarding a portion of the Algerian community, to move forward on other issues.' This statement followed a cabinet meeting. For the first time since the outbreak of the crisis, the French government has spoken openly and without equivocation about targeting the Algerian community residing in France. This position is described as more than cowardly, as it seeks to weaken the Algerian authorities by targeting innocent Algerians who have nothing to do with the ongoing conflict between the two countries. However, the response to this provocation from members of the Algerian community was quick. In a statement to Echorouk from Marseille, Omar Jalil, president of the Federation of Algerians in Marseille, expressed his rejection of the French government spokesperson's statement, considering it a 'violation of the law and discrimination in the name of the state' against the Algerian community, which numbers millions. Omar Jalil declared, 'The Algerian community in France supports its country, Algeria, in its diplomatic iron fist with France.' He said, 'At a time when the escalation between the two countries has reached its peak, the Algerian community we represent declares its massive mobilisation to express its unwavering commitment and support for the sovereign positions of the Algerian state, in the face of the interference and provocations of the French far right.' The Federation mobilised 'a widespread movement on social media of the Algerian community, highlighting the solidarity of millions of Algerians residing in France, Europe, and the world in the face of what we, Algerians residing in France, consider to be unfair and arrogant treatment by the French authorities.' Omar Jalil affirmed that 'the Federation rejects all forms of guardianship or diplomatic bargaining, and emphasises that the Algerian state is free and sovereign. We also reject France's continued behaviour based on neocolonial reflexes, believing it can impose its dictates on a people liberated by sacrificing their lives.' The Federation of Algerians in Marseille confirmed that 'French government spokesperson Sophie Primas has crossed an unacceptable level of verbal violence by discriminating between communities and exploiting her position.' Her statements are dangerous and violate the rule of law, confirming what the Federation has condemned for years. They also express an obsession and a desire to criminalise Algerians, whose dignity refuses humiliation. 'Sophie Prima's threats will not silence us, and will only push us to strengthen our unity and our loyalty to Algeria. If the French authorities choose arrogance, contempt, and repression, our people's cohesion and our solidarity with our country's authorities know neither fear nor oblivion. This is because the Algerian community is not a group under guardianship, but rather a community comprising millions of men and women, steadfast in their attachment to their original homeland, Algeria, threatened because of their origins or nationality,' Omar Jalil asserted. According to Omar Jalil, this crisis will push Algeria to 're-establish a fair partnership between the two countries,' and, in turn, 'put an end to a bilateral relationship based on French dominance. We are ready to assume our responsibilities in France because acts of revenge against the community are on the rise, and we see them daily. We will remain loyal to the nation's principles and will make sacrifices for this.' For his part, MP Saad Laanani, a representative of the Algerian community in France, told Echorouk that the statement issued by the French government spokesperson was 'a dangerous escalation, demonstrating beyond any doubt its weakness and inability to confront the firm will of the Algerian people, represented by its President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.' From a legal perspective, the statement is considered 'a threat to Algerian citizens and, at the same time, a blatant provocation against citizens with French citizenship. This constitutes discrimination against them and a serious regression in human and civil rights.' He said he had informed the relevant parties of these threats, noting that 'their goal is to destabilise Algeria and undermine the unity of its people to exploit its resources, which is the very essence of neo-colonialism.' He added that 'all Algerians, both at home and abroad, must be fully aware of what is being plotted against them and hold fast to the bonds of the homeland.' Actor Ahmed Benhassir, who resides in France, also condemned Sophie Prima's statement. Speaking to Echorouk from France, he said, 'I condemn the statements made by the French government spokesperson attacking the Algerian community in France.' He emphasised that 'Algeria is an independent and sovereign state, and we stand behind President Tebboune, who has honoured us worldwide. As an artist and like other artists, I stand with my country, Algeria.'
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
France to seek protection from Chinese steel imports after ArcelorMittal job cuts
PARIS (Reuters) -France and other European countries will push for measures to protect the European steel industry against Chinese imports, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said on Thursday. Primas was responding to an announcement by steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal that it will eliminate around 600 jobs across seven French sites due to the crisis in Europe's steel industry. "We have taken some first steps, notably on the question of quotas and the introduction of Chinese steel quotas, but we must go further and France is at the forefront," Prima told broadcaster CNews/Europe1. Steelmakers across Europe have been hit by high energy prices and competition from cheap Chinese imports. They also now face larger tariffs on exports to the United States. Primas said Chinese overproduction of steel was partly to blame for the reduced competitiveness of Europe's steel industry. In a statement sent to its Works Council on Wednesday, ArcelorMittal France North said it had "implemented all possible short-term adaptation measures, but the company must now consider reorganisation measures to adapt its business to the new market context and to ensure its future competitiveness". Arcelor's move follows a similar announcement by competitor Tata Steel, which earlier this month said it would scrap around 20% of the jobs at its large plant in the Netherlands. ArcelorMittal's job cuts have prompted criticism of the steelmaker, which has benefited from French government subsidies amid a push to reindustralise portions of the country. "We have fought hard to ensure that the government and the European Union support the financing of the decarbonisation that is essential to ArcelorMittal," said Xavier Bertrand, the president of Hauts de France, a region housing several of the sites affected by the job cuts. "It is time for the group to tell us when these investments will be made," he said in a post on X. Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
24-04-2025
- Business
- Reuters
France to seek protection from Chinese steel imports after ArcelorMittal job cuts
PARIS, April 24 (Reuters) - France and other European countries will push for measures to protect the European steel industry against Chinese imports, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said on Thursday. Primas was responding to an announcement by steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal ( opens new tab that it will eliminate around 600 jobs across seven French sites due to the crisis in Europe's steel industry. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. "We have taken some first steps, notably on the question of quotas and the introduction of Chinese steel quotas, but we must go further and France is at the forefront," Prima told broadcaster CNews/Europe1. Steelmakers across Europe have been hit by high energy prices and competition from cheap Chinese imports. They also now face larger tariffs on exports to the United States. Primas said Chinese overproduction of steel was partly to blame for the reduced competitiveness of Europe's steel industry. In a statement sent to its Works Council on Wednesday, ArcelorMittal France North said it had "implemented all possible short-term adaptation measures, but the company must now consider reorganisation measures to adapt its business to the new market context and to ensure its future competitiveness". Arcelor's move follows a similar announcement by competitor Tata Steel, which earlier this month said it would scrap around 20% of the jobs at its large plant in the Netherlands. ArcelorMittal's job cuts have prompted criticism of the steelmaker, which has benefited from French government subsidies amid a push to reindustralise portions of the country. "We have fought hard to ensure that the government and the European Union support the financing of the decarbonisation that is essential to ArcelorMittal," said Xavier Bertrand, the president of Hauts de France, a region housing several of the sites affected by the job cuts. "It is time for the group to tell us when these investments will be made," he said in a post on X.
CNA
24-04-2025
- Business
- CNA
France to seek protection from Chinese steel imports after ArcelorMittal job cuts
PARIS :France and other European countries will push for measures to protect the European steel industry against Chinese imports, French government spokesperson Sophie Primas said on Thursday. Primas was responding to an announcement by steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal that it will eliminate around 600 jobs across seven French sites due to the crisis in Europe's steel industry. "We have taken some first steps, notably on the question of quotas and the introduction of Chinese steel quotas, but we must go further and France is at the forefront," Prima told broadcaster CNews/Europe1. Steelmakers across Europe have been hit by high energy prices and competition from cheap Chinese imports. They also now face larger tariffs on exports to the United States. Primas said Chinese overproduction of steel was partly to blame for the reduced competitiveness of Europe's steel industry. In a statement sent to its Works Council on Wednesday, ArcelorMittal France North said it had "implemented all possible short-term adaptation measures, but the company must now consider reorganisation measures to adapt its business to the new market context and to ensure its future competitiveness". Arcelor's move follows a similar announcement by competitor Tata Steel, which earlier this month said it would scrap around 20 per cent of the jobs at its large plant in the Netherlands. ArcelorMittal's job cuts have prompted criticism of the steelmaker, which has benefited from French government subsidies amid a push to reindustralise portions of the country. "We have fought hard to ensure that the government and the European Union support the financing of the decarbonisation that is essential to ArcelorMittal," said Xavier Bertrand, the president of Hauts de France, a region housing several of the sites affected by the job cuts. "It is time for the group to tell us when these investments will be made," he said in a post on X.
