The New French President Has a Message for U.S. Climate Scientists, and It’s Deeply Humiliating for All Americans
What is the take-away from the Macron landslide victory in France today? Of course, we can all breathe a little more easily that the election result represents a complete rejection of fascist and xenophobic values. But barely more subtle is the embrace of science and reason in a world that seems to be conspiring against both.
Here’s the French president elect, delivering a short talk to American climate scientists and engineers. The message: While it’s a tragedy that you are not welcome to continue your work in your home country without the harassment of your nation’s federal government, you are most certainly welcome in France. We’re doing our best to prevent environmental catastrophe, and, since we acknowledge the ignorance that guides U.S. policy at this point, we urge you to come here where you can join forces with European scientists. These professionals have not been silenced by the political pressure of the oil companies, and thus you can join the fight against the biggest threat that has ever faced humankind.
How pathetic. How embarrassing it is to be an American at this sad period in U.S. history.
I am not embarrassed to be an American. I did not vote for Trump and saw him for what he was and is. Moreover, I am not responsible for Trump’s behavior. Surely we are not responsible for things over which we have no control. On the other hand, Trump supporters do have reason to be embarrassed. Let us hope that they will soon realize that.
I do agree with and appreciate what the new president of France has to say about the anti-science attitude of many of our politicians and am encouraged by his welcoming of our scientists. Perhaps he will help to awaken our anti-science politicians to their folly.
All nations have a checkered history. The United States and France are not exceptions.
Craig,
When all the Hoopla has died down, what does the election in France reveal ?
A triumph for populism. President Macron is a populist, with a vague agenda and policies short on detail. He defeated an old style opponent who just a decade ago enjoyed only marginal support. Like Hilary Clinton, Marine Le Pen’s image was hampered by ideological baggage of her grandfather and father.
Macron was the more attractive candidate for the young. Nevertheless, to win 36% of the electorate was an amazing victory for Le Pen. For a party used to single digit support in the past, Le Pen has shown she has built a very solid voter base.
The election was a victory for populism over the old ideologically based based parties of the past.
The voter turn out was very low.
France is not the UK. unlike the UK, the French actually benefit from EU membership. France has a similar legal system, economy, culture and traditions with the rest of Europe.
There is no “French Commonwealth of nations”, no global legacy and close relations with former colonies and empire.
This is neither good nor bad, just different.
The meaning of Macron’s victory is difficult to assess this early into his term. Much will rely upon his ability to capture a French parliamentary majority, or at least a supportive coalition.
Naturally, I find it more than a little ironic witnessing the trendy left adulating the elevation of a merchant banker to the Presidency! ( Le Pen gave everyone a bad fright).
Like the newly elected US President, President Macron will find the complexity of modern government more difficult than it appears. Luckily for him, French Presidents have far less executive power than the US counterpart, but he will still be judged by the electorate for any government failures.
Fortunately, most of his rhetoric was very emotive with few real policy commitments, that flexibility may give him room to maneuver.
His term will be difficult, he will be judged by the success or failure of biggest pledges.
Macron promised to halve the French unemployment rate of nearly 10%,(one in four under 25’s are unemployed).
President Macron wants to reduce government spending by $85 billion, cut 120,000 jobs from the public service, and simplify France’s 3,000 page labour code.
Macron was the principal economic advisor to President Hollande who failed in these tasks, it will be interesting to see how Macron wrestles the bear as President instead of just “advising’!
All the time, Marine Le Pen and the old political machinery of both left and right will be waiting like hungry wolves for any sign of failure or weakness.
I wish President Macron the best of good fortune, his will not be an enviable task. The modern electorate has proved very fickle.