07.05.2007
EUROPEAN GREENS EXPRESS CONCERN
ABOUT WHAT SARKOZY ELECTION VICTORY MEANS FOR FRANCE AND EUROPE
The Spokespersons of the European Green Party today reacted to the election
yesterday of Nicolas Sarkozy as President of France and outlined their concerns
about what his election might mean , both for France, and for the future
direction of the EU.
EGP Co-Spokesperson PHILIPPE LAMBERTS said: “If we are to
judge Nicolas Sarkozy on his actions as French Interior Minister and on his
electoral campaign, then those of us who are committed to a socially just and
environmentally sustainable Europe can only be
worried. In particular, Mr Sarkozy has consistently shown that he is not
committed to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and he does not recognise the
need for a European Social Pact and the EGP sees both of these as essential if
the EU is to protect the basic interests of European citizens as well as
migrants living in Europe. Sarkozy’s
rejection of Turkey as a
potential EU member state also threatens to pull Europe
in what we are convinced is the wrong direction.”
EGP Co-SPOKESPERSON ULRIKE
LUNACEK continued “From an ecological
perspective, Sarkozy’s manifesto did not include any of the innovative or
radical measures which are needed if France is to play its part in
combatting climate change. In terms of France’s foreign policy, it
was somewhat surprising that Sarkozy referred so often in his acceptance speech
to international and human rights issues, considering the lack of specific
commitments and proposals on these issues during his campaign. Noble words are
all very well but we will be watching Mr Sarkozy very closely to see if these
words will be followed by real action where it matters. For example, we hope
that the fact that Sarkozy referred to Ingrid Betancourt, who has been held hostage
for more than 5 years by the FARC Guerilla in Colombia, (without saying that
she was the Green Party’s presidential candidate at the time of her
kidnap) means that he will make greater efforts to ensure her release than has
previously been the case. Otherwise, we will have to conclude that such
references were a cynical attempt to enhance his own image.”
Both Spokespersons called on Mr Sarkozy to urgently
address the need for greater social inclusion in France, particularly in the poorer
suburbs of the big cities:
“ He must take effective action to tackle the
problem of racial discrimination in France and make a serious investment in
enhancing the social , educational and employment opportunities for young
people in the Suburbs,” Lamberts
and Lunacek
concluded.
Graham Burgess
Communications Officer
European Green Party
Tel no: 0032 (0)2 626 0720
Mobile : 00 32
(0)477 902 023
Email : graham.burgess@europeangreens.org