President Emmanuel Macron said Friday that France would convene a G7 meeting dedicated to energy in the weeks to come as fuel prices soar amid the US-Iran war.
– “In the coming weeks, we will have a G7 meeting devoted to these energy issues, both to strengthen cooperation and to avoid unnecessary tensions between the G7 countries and our main partners,” Macron said.
– It would also be an opportunity “to consider options for a possible release or unlocking of strategic reserves,” he added.
– Macron spoke after convening leaders for a meeting with presidential hopefuls and party leaders ahead of next spring’s elections in which he cannot stand, having served the maximum two terms.
– With the election seven months away and France’s economic situation worsening, the government has sought to keep social discontent in check as voters increasingly complain about the cost of living.
– The surge in prices was “not the result of government decisions,” said Macron.
– “It is a consequence of the geopolitical situation,” he said, adding that support measures already in place would be “reviewed” and “adjusted” to better help the public.
– “Before spending vast sums of money, which is taxpayers’ money and would ultimately translate either into a higher deficit or higher taxes, we must above all remain focused on addressing the root causes.”