Mobilization in support of the Gaza Strip: Macron condemns the blockade of universities “with the greatest firmness”

Emmanuel Macron condemns “with the greatest firmness” the blockades of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Science-po and universities, actions that “prevent debate,” he judges in an interview with La Provence and La Tribune.

“I am well aware that what is happening today, especially in the Gaza Strip, is upsetting – France is also calling for an immediate ceasefire – but preventing debate has never helped resolve the conflict,” the head of state emphasizes.

Emmanuel Macron considers it “perfectly legitimate, even healthy and encouraging that our youth can say that international news affects them and that they discuss it”, but “ordering the establishment to carry out this or that policy by force and blockade, preventing other students from attending the amphitheater under the pretext that they are Jews, this is not a Republic,” he insists.

“Politicized” students

Therefore, the president is in favor of the police evacuation of blocked universities “at the request of the institutions.”

According to him, students blocking institutions are “politicized.” Some groups, such as La France insoumise, believed that this was the appropriate way to fight. It is simply counterproductive and unacceptable that in the name of their struggle they prevent debate,” he says.

On Friday, police evacuated pro-Palestinian activists from Science-po’s offices in Paris, quickly ending the occupation of the prestigious institution.

There have been several gatherings and blockades at Sciences-Po sites and universities in recent days, leading in some cases to law enforcement intervention, reflecting ongoing mobilization on several college campuses in the United States.