Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, in the wake of a confidential meeting at the Élysée Palace with the main candidates for the presidential election, strongly reacted to the threats from Russia and reported changes in the nature of these threats in Europe. Macron emphasized that "Russia's goal is to intimidate and undermine efforts to support Ukraine" and added that "the outcome of this behavior will be the opposite of what Russia expects."
Changes in Russian Threats
Macron went on to reference an example of threats, stating that the discovery of a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig Airport last summer indicates a change in the nature of threats. He stated: "We will not be intimidated because we know that what is happening in Ukraine is related to our security today and tomorrow."
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The President of France has also called for "a plan to protect our critical infrastructure" against "Russian hybrid attacks." Macron stressed the need for continuous messaging to Russia and stated that we must avoid entering a hostile state with this country.
Rising Fuel Prices and Their Consequences
The sharp increase in fuel prices was also one of the topics discussed at this meeting. Macron reminded the candidates for the 2027 election that public opinion often forgets that the international situation is the root of the current crisis. He clarified that the price increases "are not the result of government decisions" and that the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz and recently the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait has direct impacts on our daily lives.
Macron wrote on the social platform X that the causes of rising gasoline prices must be addressed "before large costs are incurred" and warned that this means "either a larger deficit or higher taxes." He also announced his decision to hold a G7 meeting focused on energy issues, stating that this meeting should take place in the coming weeks and its goal will be "to move towards better coordination at the reserve level."
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