Emmanuel Macron assured the mother of a job seeker that there were “ten possible offers” for his son and invited him to “circumnavigate the Old Port” with him on Monday evening on the sidelines of a trip to Marseille to get his point across.
The head of state, who sparked controversy in 2018 when he told a young gardener looking for work that he only had to “walk across the street” to find work, insisted on Monday: “When I was older than I was young , I used.” to say that you had to cross the street. That’s even truer today than yesterday,” he said.
The President was arrested during a tour by a lady who was complaining that her 33-year-old son was no longer receiving active solidarity income. “He now owes 11 months rent. “He can’t even go looking for a job” because “he doesn’t have money for transport,” she apologized, shaking Mr. Macron’s hand.
Mr. Macron stressed that there were “tools” to “go to work” and in return asked her: “What does your son want to work with?” (…) He is ready to work as a waiter?”
“It doesn’t matter… everything!”, replied his interlocutor.
“You will not make me believe that there is no such thing as a waiter job if he is really looking for a job in Marseille and ready to take a waiter job,” the head of state noted. Insistently: “I promise you: I’ll walk through the Old Port with you tonight (Monday), I’m sure there are 10 vacancies.”
💬 “I’ll walk you through the Old Port tonight, I’m sure there are 10 vacancies”
In Marseille, Emmanuel Macron answers a lady who asks him about his son’s professional situation pic.twitter.com/TOdWxsdF6V
— BFMTV (@BFMTV) June 26, 2023
“He’ll see one of my associates. And tonight (Monday) he has an appointment for a job,” the president promised again.
In May, during a trip to Dunkirk, Mr Macron had already suggested to a young man that “walking a meter” was enough to find a job.
This renewed appearance by the President of the Republic on this issue prompted an immediate reaction from the opposition, including Insoumis MP leader Mathilde Panot, who believed that “Macron was caricaturing Macron”.
“The solution to unemployment? Crossing a street in 2018. Doing a meter in May 2023. It’s time to take a tour of the Old Port in June 2023. Faced with people’s contempt, Emmanuel Macron is the only unemployed person the country is hoping for. ‘ she wrote on Twitter.
Macron cartoon Macron.
The solution to unemployment?
Crossing a street in 2018.
Make a counter in May 2023.
In June 2023 it’s time for a tour of the Old Port.Faced with the contempt of the people, Emmanuel Macron is the only unemployed person we hope for in the country! https://t.co/VAzrgkAyuC
— Mathilde Panot (@MathildePanot) June 26, 2023
MP Insoumis Bastien Lachaud castigated the “old reactionary myth” of “millions of unfilled jobs”. “We are not dealing with a president, but with a rude provocateur who makes fun of the people. Unworthy,” he growled.
As for LR senator from Bouches-du-Rhône, Valérie Boyer, she quipped: “If Emmanuel Macron is no longer president, he could become an agent at Pôle Emploi.”