Emmanuel Macron: “Nationalism Is a Betrayal of Patriotism”

President Emmanuel Macron of France made it clear today that he fundamentally doesn’t understand the nationalist and populist movements sweeping the world:

Old demons are rising again. New ideologies are manipulating religions, and history is threatening to repeat its tragedies. Let us vow once more as nations to ensure peace is the utmost priority, above all else, because we know what it cost. https://t.co/skJ6K5SDO1

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 11, 2018

Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism. Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism. By putting our own interests first, with no regard for others, we erase the very thing that a nation holds dearest, and the thing that keeps it alive: its moral values. https://t.co/w9AltyvMDw

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 11, 2018

“Old demons” are not rising again.

Europe isn’t on the precipice of World War 3. Nationalists these days abhor war and have cheered on Poland’s Independence March and Jair Bolsonaro’s recent victory in Brazil. The warmongers of the 21st century are liberal internationalists, not nationalists. In France, it was Emmanuel Macron who has supported airstrikes in Syria which were slammed by Marine Le Pen.

Trump was pressured into doing the Syria airstrikes by Macron. His nationalist supporters strongly condemned and opposed the airstrikes. We also support peace and cooperation with Russia. It is the GOP establishment and the Democratic establishment which is hostile to Russia. These are the same people who were behind Iraq and Libya and all the wars of the 21st century.

France made a huge mistake when it elected Macron. 71 percent of the French people have no confidence in Macron’s government. He is only 5 points more popular than François Hollande. Unfortunately, the next presidential election in France isn’t until 2022.