French President Emmanuel Macron spoke out on the subject of removing statues of historical figures after several protests occurred in Paris in the wake of George Floyd's murder. Macron insisted that the removal of statues of colonial-era figures will not happen under his watch, according to France 24.
The French leader promised to be “uncompromising in the face of racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination” when speaking on the murder of George Floyd. Macron also acknowledged that one's "address, name, colour of skin" may impede their chances of success in French society and that it was important continue to fight so that everybody can "find their place" regardless of their ethnicity or religion. However on the issue of removing statues, Macron firmly said no.
This comes after several demonstrations in France called for the removal of statues tied to France's slave trade or colonial wrongdoings. Macron said “the republic will not erase any trace, or any name, from its history ... it will not take down any statue”. He continued. “We should look at all of our history together” including relations with Africa, with a goal of “truth” instead of “denying who we are.”
Macron believes that the fight against racism has become exploited by "separatists" who are attempting to distort the narrative. "It is necessary to unite around Republican patriotism. We are a nation where everyone—whatever their origin and religion—can find their place," said Macron.
Macron is being pressured, as are many leaders around the world, to confront their own nations' battles regarding racism and police brutality. On Saturday, a demonstration was held in Paris about police treatment of French minorities that was attended by over 15,000 people.
The French government has since banned the police use of chokeholds and vows to rid their system of racist police, which in turn has angered the police unions who claim they are being unfairly labeled as white supremacists, prompting them to stage protests of their own.
Macron didn't comment on police treatment of minorities in France, however he did defend France's under-fire police force, saying that they "deserve public support and the recognition of the nation for their work". Macron added, "Without Republican order, there cannot be security or freedom."
Police are now protesting and had a second night of protests following Macron's address to respond that they feel a lack of support from the government, citing Interior Minister Christophe Castaner in particular.
"We are not at all reassured by the speech tonight, on the contrary," said one officer protesting by the Eiffel Tower to the Associated French Press. Dozens of police officer parked their cars by the Arc de Triomphe to flash their lights the night before.
There is some division within Macron's own camp regarding how best to deal with France's colonial legacy. Sibeth Ndiaye, a government minister and close friend of Macron's, published an essay in Le Monde on Saturday demanding that France reassess its colour-blind doctrine which claims the best way to have an equal society is to ignore race altogether.
“We must not hesitate to name things, to say that a skin colour is not neutral,” wrote Ndiaye. She said that it's time for France to “confront our memories” regarding their history and to find a “shared narrative” with their former colonies.
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