In a exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, RFI and franceinfo, French President Emmanuel Macron outlined his vision for tackling the twin issues of climate change and the fight against extreme poverty. Speaking from the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, which he hosted in Paris, Macron answered questions from Stéphane Ballong (FRANCE 24), Mounia Daoudi (RFI) and Marc Fauvelle (franceinfo).
During a live appearance on FRANCE 24, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the need for global cooperation and "mobilisation" in implementing international taxes to support climate action and poverty alleviation.
Macron urged assistance in identifying countries that currently lack financial transaction taxes (FTT) and taxes on airline tickets. Additionally, he called for support in rallying international taxation efforts at the International Maritime Organisation in July, highlighting the ineffectiveness of unilateral taxation.
Chinese debt can become a trap 'beyond a certain threshold'
Macron also stressed the importance of cooperating with China on international debt restructuring efforts, since Beijing has become a major international creditor in recent years, particularly in Africa.
The French leader admitted that Chinese debt can become a trap "if if gets beyond a certain threshold". He highlighted the importance of producing a plan in adherence with OECD practices for financial bailouts and lending.
When discussing the challenge of the green transition, Macron underscored the importance of not only saving the planet but also reconciling efforts to combat poverty. He stressed the need for greater mobilisation of private funding.
Regarding Senegal, the French president expressed an intention to facilitate the country's exploitation of its gas projects and boost its renewable energy development.
'Russia has to stop the war and respect international law'
Finally, when asked about Russia and its absence from the Paris summit, Macron called for Moscow to end the war in Ukraine and respect international law. He emphasised that resuming dialogue with Russia would be contingent on the latter.
Asked if he would take a hypothetical phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin tomorrow, Macron replied: "Of course I'll take his call. I have no reason to call him at present."
Furthermore, he accused Russia of being "a destabilising influence in Africa", citing atrocities committed by Wagner Group mercenaries in the Central African Republic.
>> Click on the player above to watch the full interview
