French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a strong message to the European Union following President-elect Donald Trump's decisive victory.
In a translated video shared on social media site “What we have to ask is: Are we ready to defend the European Union?” What are Europeans interested in? ”
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In a subsequent speech, President Macron called Europe the world's “herbivore” and called on fellow European countries to become “omnivores.”
“For me it's simple,” Macron said. “The world is made up of herbivores and carnivores. If we decide to remain herbivores, the carnivores will win and we will become a market for carnivores.”
French President Macron waits for the arrival of Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino before a meeting at the Elysée Presidential Palace in Paris, France, on October 21, 2024. (Daniel Peer/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Throughout his presidency, Macron has sought independence from the interests of trade rivals such as the United States and China.
The EU took Thursday's meeting in Budapest as an opportunity to outline its near-term ambitions, including supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.
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The French president was one of the first world leaders to congratulate President-elect Trump on Wednesday, writing to X: “Congratulations, Mr. President.” @realDonaldTrump. Ready to work together for 4 years as well. With you and my faith. With respect and ambition. For further peace and prosperity. ”
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally at Lancaster Airport in Lititz, Pennsylvania, on November 3, 2024. With just two days left until the election, Trump is campaigning for re-election in battleground states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia on Sunday. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Macron has come under fire at home this year after calling for a snap election in June, narrowly defeating Marine Le Pen's conservative party.
Immigration continues to be a politically thorny issue for Mr Macron, with figures compiled by the National Statistics Office putting the number of foreign residents in France at 8.7 million in 2022.
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Under French law, Emmanuel Macron must resign in 2027 and cannot run for president again.
