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- Three questions….to
Jacques Gaillot
What is your opinion about Pope Benedict
XVI a month after his election? Can you already give an opinion?
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- I am not paying too close attention
to the saying and actions of the pope. My eyes are not turned
toward the Vatican: a new pope does not change my life or my
concrete duties toward the people.
However by reading the press, I noticed three things during this
month.
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First an American cardinal, William
Levada, was assigned as prefect for the faith. He has the reputation
of being a conservative: was it not he who declared that voting
for the democrat senator John Kerry was a sin? Then an expeditious
procedure for beatification of John-Paul II has been engaged
and during a sermon the firm recall of the moral values for life. |
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- Nothing new in that, except that
we can foresee a conservative orientation for this pontificate.
The outlook does not seem in favour of progress and reforms.
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- How do you receive the European
constitutional treaty? How are you going to vote?
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- I appreciate that we can give our
point of view like ordinary citizens. Our opinion is rarely asked
on such an important decision for the future of Europe and our
country.
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There has been a great democratic discussion
for the European constitutional treaty at every level. The excitement
came from the close scoring for the "yes" and the "no". |
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- During a peaceful and friendly meal
I raised the question: "What about the referendum, what
are you going to vote? Immediately I was asked: " and you?"
I answered that I will vote "no". Every body was amazed!
A passionate discussion got started!
The reading of this ultra-liberal constitutional treaty convinced
me that if being adopted, our future would be blocked. It will
never be possible to reverse its content of liberalism. If the
"no" wins, it will have to be renegotiated. Then I
see a chance for Europe, for a social Europe.
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- But is not Europe a warrant for
peace? A chance for the future? Can you give your reasons for
voting "no"?
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It is proposed an ambitious project
for defence. A powerful Europe has to be armed with the corresponding
budget. For the arms there will always be money. |
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- I remember the old saying,"
If you want peace, prepare war" For a long time I am an
activist for peace and disarmament, I cannot agree. Peace will
spring from justice not from the power of our arms.
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Regarding the politics of immigration,
it is repressive: increase of the controls at the boundaries,
mastering of the immigration movements…We know that in France
since a long time, these repressive measures have solved nothing
but they have been a source of much suffering for the immigrants.
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(Interviewed by Olivier Galzi)
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