Jersey politicians seek closer ties with France in wake of Macron victory

Monday 08 May 2017

Jersey’s Minister for External relations has said he looks forward to developing Jersey's long-established bonds with France under its newly-elected president Emmanuel Macron.

The leader of ‘En Marche!’ – a centrist party founded barely 13 months ago – former investment banker Macron enjoyed a meteoric rise to popularity, entering the Élysée with two thirds of the public vote on Sunday. He fought off Front National candidate Marine Le Pen.

Fiercely pro-European, he has promised not to go easy on the United Kingdom during Brexit negotiations, and has already publicly challenged the Le Touquet agreement which sees migrants to Britain dealt with at border control on French soil. If successful, the Franco-British border could be pushed back to the Kent Coast – a decision which could have repercussions for Jersey.

Minister for External Relations, Sir Philip Bailhache, sent his well wishes to France’s new leader in a statement today:

“I warmly congratulate Mr Macron on his victory in the French Presidential election.

“Jersey has an historic and enduring relationship with our French neighbours which has developed over many centuries and continues through our regular Ministerial and official contact, through BIAN (the Bureau des Îles Anglo-Normandes) in Caen, and CIBO (the Channel Islands Brussels Office). I look forward to the continuing development of strong links between Jersey and France during Mr Macron’s Presidency.”

Senator Philip Ozouf, who is semi-fluent in French, congratulated President Macron in his native tongue on Twitter:

“Congratulations, Emmanuel Macron. We hope this victory will be an opportunity to renew the historic ties with the Anglo-Norman Channel Islands.”

Félicitations .@EmmanuelMacron
Espérons que ce victoire sera l'opportunité de renouveler les liens historiques avec les Îles Anglo-Normandes

— Senator Philip Ozouf (@philipozouf) May 7, 2017