“We can be the first great country to emerge from dependence on gas and oil,” Emmanuel Macron said today at a press conference in Aubervilliers, Paris.
Macron, who won the 2017 elections, announced today his priorities for the next five years under the slogan “Avec vous” (“With you”, in Portuguese), being the last candidate to present himself and without participating in the debates on French television, due to his duties as president.
Energy is one of the focal points of its strategy, which aims globally to build France’s independence from abroad, with a commitment to build six new nuclear reactors by 2050 and to consider building eight more, doubling the country’s solar energy by 10. In addition to 50 offshore wind farms.
Another strong point in his proposals is defence, where he promised to provide 50 billion euros annually to the French armed forces until 2025. The candidate also proposes a plan for civilian mobilization, in order to prepare French society for moments of crisis.
The police will also be strengthened, and the justice sector will have 8,000 new judges in the next five years.
In the area of immigration, the candidate said that refusal of asylum would lead to expulsion from the territory and that multi-year visas would be granted under more stringent conditions especially to those who are integrated through employment.
On the level of social measures, Macron announced the retention of the pension reform, and raising the retirement age to 65 years.
The Foundation Pôle Emploi, which is equivalent to the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training, will change its name to France Emploi and the RSA, the equivalent of social inclusion income, will become a support for activities, as the current president wants anyone receiving this minimum compensation to have a weekly activity between 15 to 20 hours. The goal, according to the candidate, is full employment.
Emmanuel Macron also introduced new measures to help single-parent families that account for about a quarter of families in France, an increase in the time children can spend in recreational facilities while their parents work, and an increase in the minimum pension to 1,100 euros.
He also promised measures to increase access to doctors, a difficulty for many French people who live outside the big cities.
Elections in France are held in two rounds, the first on April 10 and the second on April 24.
There are 12 candidates from different political circles competing in the presidential elections.
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