Emmanuel Macron in New Orleans, why?
LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP
Macron in the United States: what will he do in New Orleans?
POLITICS – With drums and trumpets. Emmanuel Macron will leave Washington this Friday, December 2, to end his visit to New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The presidential couple is expected to be in France around 8 o’clock in the afternoon.
After two days at the White House and Congress, a run full of symbols with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris talking about space problems, climate change or the consequences of the war in Ukraine. ” This trip ticks a lot of boxes for leaders to see what America is all about, beyond the obligatory passes. “, emphasizes Benjamin Haddad, deputy of Paris Renaissance HuffPostemphasizing that he is a researcher on international relations very nice posts to be sent by the head of state.
In fact, this is the first time since Valéry Giscard d’Estaing that a French president has visited New Orleans, a former colony of Louisiana. The territory that was sold to the United States in 1803 and remains today” It is the foundation for culture and Francophonie in the country “, in the words of Elisey.
” Describe remote connections »
” In New Orleans, it would be nice to describe all the ties and connections from afar – because we are the oldest ally – but we also have a cultural and social footprint in the United States.Before summarizing the message delivered by Emmanuel Macron, he explained the Elysée to journalists before the visit of the head of state. We come from the same place, proof, our history in Louisiana. And we are going somewhere, which is reflected in the intensity of our presence in the United States. »
Therefore, historical relations as well as strategic relations. To emphasize them, the President of the Republic dedicates his visit to several strong axes, among which are global warming, Francophonie or the cultural and sporting influence of France two years after the Paris Olympics. Between sequins and formal meetings.
Emmanuel Macron will attend the signing of the “Memorandum of Understanding” on climate change after an interview with John Bel Edwards, the governor of the state of Louisiana, a Democrat. A sort of mini-treaty between France and Louisiana, this ” a first-hand witness to the consequences of climate change “, according to the President’s entourage. He will also meet with companies involved in the energy transition.
Foundation for the French language
In the second phase, the president will speak about Francophonie and culture in the afternoon, with a speech scheduled for midnight in France, followed by meetings with local actors. It is therefore no coincidence that the minister in charge, Rima Abdul-Malak, accompanies her in the crew, as does the director Claude Lelouch or the star dancer Benjamin Millepied, the husband of the American actress Natalie Portman.
On the banks of the Mississippi, Emmanuel Macron will thus refine the contours of the French language foundation, which aims to support the spread and study of our language in American schools. This will be the only concrete announcement of its kind, barring a surprise.
For the rest, the Head of State should take advantage of today to join the crowds on the streets of New Orleans, why not a walk in the Vieux Carré, the French Quarter, the historic heart of the city. An opportunity to take beautiful pictures in these lively and colorful places… Before returning to France the next day.
“A multicultural Democratic city in a Republican-voting state…”, Benjamin Haddad is happy to insist that ” It’s a great idea to get out of Washington, the coasts, New York and California. There, the president will see South America and its challenges. » Glitter or not, politics are never far from the president’s message.
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