On Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron of France had an amusing exchange with a protester who objects to his reforms to increase efficiency and improve service in the nation’s railway system. At present, workers like the protester are able to retire at 52 years of age with a gold-plated pension.
Here’s my attempt (with some Google translate assistance), to translate what was said.
Challenged as to why he wouldn’t simply increase investment in the railways, Macron responded, “We have under-invested, but why do I not want to invest in the business as it is today? Because with this organization and its constraints, honestly, more money won’t work.”
When the gentleman responded by accusing Macron of disrespecting railway workers, the president rebuked him. “I respect people and I always respect the railwaymen. I have never insulted railwaymen.”
Protester: “It’s bad reform, Mr. President.”
Macron: “Perhaps you think that it is necessary to follow you and agree with you. That’s not my job.”
The two then discussed whether France should retain a nationalized rail system. But when the union man refused to budge from his arguments, Macron hit back with a moral argument.
“You can protest, but do not block the whole country and do not be insulting, that’s all.”
We need to see more of this: of politicians having the courage to respectfully debate unions but push back against their arguments.
Macron will push for parliamentary passage of his reforms later this week, even though the unions are showing no signs of backing down. They recognize that Macron’s efforts represent an existential threat to their inefficiency. Let us hope Macron is victorious.
