According to Wester, Macron and Rutte are “close friends”. That chemistry is very important. But above all it seeks a strong ally for a strong Europe. Macron may get along with German Chancellor Scholz, but the relationship with Germany is more than a forced marriage.
France and the Netherlands have grown closer economically in recent years. “And because England left the EU, the Netherlands became one of France’s best allies,” Wester says. “In terms of technology, the Netherlands has become a major player,” she points out. “Just look at chip machine maker ASML, which is no longer allowed to export to China from the United States and, in fact, not even from France.”
Criticism
Both leaders are under fire in their own country. Macron has come under sharp criticism for his retirement age reform plans. And Rutte has to deal with a series of problems within the coalition and in the area of the nitrogen crisis and the story of the surcharge. In this regard, according to Van Leeuwen, the two may shake hands, but the differences between the two remain great, thinks Wester.
Macron gets along well with German Chancellor Scholz, but the relationship with Germany is more than a forced marriage.
There is a connection between the reasons behind the unpopularity of both, thinks Wester. ‘Across Europe we see a shift to the right in politics. Macron was re-elected while 46% wanted to vote for Marine Le Pen. But because she is very right-wing, Macron was chosen out of necessity. In the Netherlands you see the dissatisfaction of the citizens and you also see the shift to the right in politics.’
Protests
Demonstrations against Macron’s reform plans have been going on in France for months. Today that dissatisfaction was visible even here. “There were students demonstrating in the building where Macron gave a speech,” Van Leeuwen says. And not long after, Macron was even interrupted during his speech. “That says a lot about the French president’s image,” Wester thinks.
“He got the law passed outside parliament, which is not very democratic. But on the other hand, the French president has the right to override parliament.” Macron wants to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64. “In the Netherlands we laugh at it, but the French see work as suffering.”
“The French see work as suffering”
Sovereign
In his speech, with many cabinet members present, Macron also discussed France’s pension reforms and made a connection with Europe’s position. Van Leeuwen: ‘He said that the European Union must remain strong and sovereign. And if you want to retire at 62, we won’t do it. Macron has clearly seized the moment to say that there must be a new European doctrine. For this, the European economy must be better protected, with closer cooperation between EU countries in the fields of climate, industry and energy.’
“Macron has much bigger plans than Rutte,” thinks Wester. ‘He has long argued for a stronger Europe that can stand up to America and China. Rutte was initially much less pro-Europe, but he is increasingly seeing the light. Partly because of the war in Ukraine.”
According to Van Leeuwen, Macron clearly wants to position himself as the Great Reformer. “He wants to be.” Macron is in a hurry to realize those ideals. “Now he’s in his second term.” The question is whether that pro-European story will do well in its home country. «The French consider themselves the best in Europe. They were once a superpower, but that power is fading and Europe is an afterthought for most of them.’
Macron and his wife were received this morning in Amsterdam by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. There will be a state banquet tonight.