"They are fighting to protect values that are also ours." Barnier assures that France will remain on the side of the Ukrainian people

The new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier addressed the National Assembly for the first time. The head of the French government presented the legislators with the priorities of his work and, in particular, announced the continuation of support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian occupiers.

This was the first time Michel Barnier officially spoke about his government's political plans in front of the parliament. Although he has no clear support among lawmakers, his words about Ukraine were met with applause – perhaps the only applause during his entire speech.

"Two and a half years after the start of the aggressive war, Ukrainians continue to fight and die to defend their freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. But we must understand that they are fighting to protect our common values that we share with them," he said.

In his speech, Barnier emphasized that his government's policy of supporting Ukraine will remain the same as that of his predecessors.

Regarding France's foreign policy, Barnier also announced the continuation of diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing peace in the Middle East. He also outlined the "red lines" that, in his words, his government "will not cross, even with all the readiness for dialogue and compromise.

These are, in particular, zero tolerance for racism, anti-Semitism, violence against women, and communitarianism (i.e., isolation within ethnic or religious communities). The prime minister also ruled out the possibility of revising the laws that enshrine several social rights, including the right of women to terminate pregnancy at will (one of the most debated issues among the country's politicians).

Separately, Barnier announced domestic policy measures to reduce the budget deficit and external debt. According to him, large companies and "the richest citizens of the country" should contribute to this through higher taxes.

He also announced that he would resume negotiations with labor unions on the controversial pension reform.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, earlier French President Emmanuel Macron said that after the war in Ukraine, the European Union should "rethink relations with Russia". He emphasized that peace in Europe would take a new form.

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