Posted Oct 3, 2022, 7:07 PMUpdated Oct 3, 2022, 7:15 PM
This debate “was essential”, recognized the Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, at the end of her speech this Monday in the National Assembly, for the first day of the ordinary session. Organized under article 50-1 of the Constitution, it related to “the war in Ukraine and the consequences for France”. It was an opportunity to convey a certain number of internal political messages.
Democratic model
Elisabeth Borne justified France’s support for Ukraine, in this conflict which, she pointed out, is “not just a conflict between two countries”, but “a fight for our values, for our model democratic”. “We will not weaken, neither in the face of the Russian aggressor, nor to protect the French”, hammered the Prime Minister, who detailed the actions implemented since the start of the Russian aggression. She also confirmed that aid would be paid from November to the French who are hosting displaced Ukrainians and announced that France would host “in the coming months” an economic conference on Ukraine, in order to “mobilize French companies”. in the reconstruction of the country.
“The subject is how we share the burden, deciphers a minister. The risk, if we increase the concern of the French on these subjects, is to see support for Ukraine crumble little by little. The message is we support Ukraine to defend democracy against a guy who is ‘going into a spin’” and that is non-negotiable”.
“Fascination for Russian imperialism”
Above all, while recalling past and future measures, particularly for households, on energy prices, the Prime Minister worked hard to show that the sanctions against Russia are effective, recalling the recession in this country. “Our objective has been the same from the start: to make the cost of the war unbearable for Russia,” she said, recalling that “it was Russia that launched this war […] and inspires us to act. »
“These sanctions, no offense to those who hide their fascination for Russian imperialism with a so-called patriotism: they work! She added, targeting, without saying so, the National Rally first but also La France insoumise. “Moscow is trying to deceive. […] Russian propaganda should not fool us, ”thundered Elisabeth Borne.
“Sanctions against the French”
Very supportive, LR, through the voice of deputy Jean-Louis Thiériot, insisted on the means of the army via the programming law. The PS, he, by that of Boris Vallaud, confirmed that he would table an amendment pointing to the dividends made by French companies that remained in Russia, including TotalEnergies.
These are indeed the sanctions that the RN has again targeted. “We do not want sanctions against the French”, launched the deputy RN Jérôme Buisson according to which they turn against France. “How effective are sanctions when they miss their target and turn against us? asked the president of the LFI group Mathilde Panot. Citing the pension reform, the latter also warned that “the war against Ukraine must not be the pretext for waging a social war against the French. »
“The only way to attack us in front of the public is to say ‘we’re hurting ourselves too much and we’re not hurting Russia enough'”, feared a minister before the debate. “Making too much trouble” with the sanctions is indeed the angle that was chosen and which this winter risks continuing to be the front line between the opposition and the government.
