LONDON: President of France Emmanuel Macron told the Davos summit that globalization was facing a crisis which required a response from companies, government and other decision makers.
Macron said he was determined to show that he stood beside those left behind by globalization spanning both the middle and working class. He promised a €15 billion reform program for the country that would involve big improvements in education and training.
“Young people had fallen behind in the education system, and deep changes were needed,” he said.
The president said bureaucracy in France was being streamlined in order to bring about a more entrepreneurial society, and to encourage innovation and spur risk-takers.
Macron said: “France is back, at the core of Europe”, and France was also “a nation of entrepreneurs.”
Earlier in the day, the leaders of Germany and Italy warned about the return of nationalism and protectionism in Europe.
It comes one day before the much anticipated arrival of US President Donald Trump at the gathering.
“We are seeing nationalism, populism and in a lot of countries a polarized atmosphere,” Merkel told the audience earlier.
