The gap between citizens and Europe, denounced by JP Jouyet
(B2) It was June 12
We were a few French journalists able to chat for a good hour around a table covered with the traditional green carpet, at the Quai d'Orsay, with Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the French Minister for European Affairs. And naturally, the imminence of the Irish referendum occupied all the minds, not only of the journalists but also of the officials... much more than the French priorities. For Jean-Pierre Jouyet, this Irish no - now a reality - sent a "negative sign, never good in a Europe undergoing reconstruction". And there"felt deep regret" in this result. But he seemed confident that the ratification process would continue.
Citizen distrust explained
But Jean-Pierre Jouyet, a good connoisseur of European affairs, immediately continued: the result of this referendum "shows that there is an important dichotomy between the European strategy, whose orientations are very good in the medium term (economy, climate, defence, etc.) and the short-term concerns of the citizens". As long as we answer citizens that it is "business as usual", while the environment has changed, there will remain a mistrust of citizens, a doubt about Europe's ability to provide concrete answers. This result can be seen as a "criticism of the mode of functioning of the institutions".
criticism of dogma
And this one to add in case one or the other didn't understand. If the result of the referendum had been "Yes", I would have had the same intention. "(European) political leaders must do more politics, and less liturgy, not hesitate to open up debates, put an end to this practice of consensus (at all costs)." It is the "politics' job to reconcile these objectives": restructuring at "medium or long term, short term repair".
A shared statement
This rather harsh remark from the mouth of a man whose language is usually so moderate and diplomatic, and whose strong European commitment cannot be suspected, should make more than one European leader think. Especially since we can, without a shadow of a doubt, say that it is shared by more than one European in Brussels and elsewhere...
(NGV)