Macron criticized climate change and Russia at the G20 summit

French President Emmanuel Macron made a statement at the G-20 Leaders Summit.

Macron said G-20 countries have not taken satisfactory measures to combat climate change. “It’s a very easy statement and it works. It is too easy for some developing countries to assign responsibilities only to the richest countries. “We are fulfilling our responsibility as Europe,” he said.

Macron assessed that some of the G-20 member countries still have an oil production agenda until 2045 and that “although this situation is obvious, it is inconsistent to talk about achieving the zero carbon goal by 2030.” The French president called for an end to oil production by 2050.

Macron said they viewed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence from the G20 Summit as an important step. He stated that the majority of G-20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its effects.

Macron also referred to the crisis with Niger and reiterated that they do not recognize the decision made by the Niamey administration to withdraw its troops from France. Macron stated that France could discuss the issue of troop withdrawal with Nigerien President Mohammed Bazum only if he is released and requests it.

Macron emphasized that they support the position and decisions taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the military regime in Niger.

Referring to the earthquake that occurred in the El-Huz region of Marrakech, Morocco, Macron stated that France is ready to help if the authorities deem it necessary, but that so far they have not received any such request from the administration of Rabat. Macron pointed out that this earthquake worries them especially because they have citizens of Moroccan origin, and that he held meetings with those responsible for the World Bank and the IMF to help this country.