The favourite to become the leader of the French political party Les Républicains (EPP), Laurent Wauquiez, wants substantial change in the EU, arguing that the 27-member EU “is no longer working”. That was the message he delivered on Thursday 16 November after visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
“I’m a staunch European and I have no doubt of the importance and the relevance of Europe as an extension of French sovereignty”, he said, adding, however, that he was “not one of those who shut their eyes to what is not working”. He argued, therefore, for an overhaul of Europe. He is against enlargement during the next term of office. He proposes to reorganise Europe in three circles. The first, a hard core of between six and twelve countries, would be where (tax, social, etc.) harmonisation would be strongest. The second would be the eurozone. And the third would be a “comprehensive free-trade area” where the United Kingdom would be welcome. Wauquiez believes that the apparent desire of the EU to “punish” the UK is a mistake. He urges that the United Kingdom be able to maintain a link with the EU. In this third circle, too, countries would be able to choose what they wish to take part in and to repatriate powers from the EU. He believes, for example, that France must take back control of its migration policy.
He argues too for a “Buy European Act” which would give preference to European companies in public procurement, just as the United States does with its companies. (Original version in French by Élodie Lamer)