Macron and Trudeau unite on economy and language in joint pledge

On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Canada for discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, focusing on their shared vision for open and decarbonized economies. This meeting comes at a time when both leaders face domestic political challenges, with Macron having lost legislative power and Trudeau recently surviving a no-confidence motion. Their collaboration aims to strengthen bilateral ties and address pressing global issues. A significant topic of discussion was the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, where both leaders called for an immediate ceasefire. Macron emphasized the need for Israel to cease its strikes and for Hezbollah to stop retaliating, warning of the potential for Lebanon to become a new conflict zone similar to Gaza. Trudeau echoed these sentiments, highlighting the devastating impact of the violence on civilians. Additionally, Macron addressed the decline of the French language in Canada, particularly outside Quebec, and stressed the importance of revitalizing French culture among younger generations. This initiative is crucial for maintaining Canada’s bilingual identity and fostering cultural ties between the two nations. The meeting also included discussions on enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in support of Ukraine amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Both leaders expressed their commitment to working together to promote shared values and address global challenges effectively.