“Europe is what we make of it”, underlines Olivier Faure

The first secretary of the PS, Olivier Faure, was the guest of “18h20 franceinfo”, Wednesday April 24.

Asked what distinguishes the socialist list carried by Raphaël Glucksmann for the European elections from that of the presidential majority, Olivier Faure replied this Wednesday on franceinfo that “Europe is what we make of it”.

“What sets us apart is not the fact that we each believe in the need to have a European future but in the policies that Europe must pursue. explains the First Secretary of the PS, a few hours before Raphaël Glucksmann’s speech on Europe and on the eve of that given by Emmanuel Macron at the Sorbonne.

“We need European power”

Olivier Faure recalls that “in all the major battles that have taken place over the last five years, we have each time been opposed to the decisions taken” by the executive. He cites the example of platform workers: “A directive carried by Nicolas Schmit, socialist European commissioner, and Raphaël Glucksmann has ensured that there are finally rights for these people, that they can be attached to the status of employee. A government in Europe opposed it, that of Emmanuel Macron”, he assures.

Olivier Faure also wishes to recall his party’s attachment to Europe. “We have always been Europeans”, he emphasizes, because Europe is “the relevant level to resolve the major questions before us, the major climate or defense challenges. France alone is not able to ensure absolute sovereignty, we need European power”, he adds.

In the polls, Raphaël Glucksmann’s list is far behind that of the National Rally. “The reasons why the RN is in the lead today are not explained exclusively by European policy but also by the policy led by Emmanuel Macron for seven years, which has led to a form of exasperation”, points the finger at the First Secretary of the PS. “What we are trying to do with Raphaël is to ensure that there is a list on the left which can appear as the alternative to Emmanuel Macron on the national level but also to Europe that carries Emmanuel Macron.”