top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French student questions Macron on climate change

A French collège student has demanded an answer on climate change from President Emmanuel Macron, during the latest installment of the national Grand Débat.

Mr Macron was present at the audience of 400 people in Gréoux-les-Bains (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur), on Thursday March 7.

The theme of the event was the environment and the “ecological transition” - a topic that has not been the subject of a major discussion during the Grand Débat thus far.

Student Charlie, who attends the collège at Saint-André-les-Alpes, said: “What do you understand by [the term] ‘ecology’, when today factories can pour their waste into the sea, pesticides are polluting our ground and therefore our food, and 20,000 tonnes of electrical waste from Europe is sent to Nigeria?”

He asked: “Do you think that we can buy a new planet with money? When are you going to act, because you have the power?”

His question was applauded by the crowd, which included several hundred young people, local mayors, farmers, and association leaders from the local Verdon region.

Mr Macron - whose banker background often sees him accused of being “the president of the rich” -  said that the ecological transition was aiming to make the move “from one model to another”.

The President said: “Our challenge is to [make the move] as quickly as possible. I believe that we can do it quicker, better, further, by giving more power to local authorities and changing our methods.

“The ‘all money’ model is over. But we must be productive. There will always be money, but we should neither hate it nor love it; we must see it as a way of getting things done.”

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France