Despite a hectic schedule and pressing affairs of state, Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault took time out to host a lunch for AAPA members at Hotel Matignon on April 11 during which he explained the priorities for his government and addressed some of the challenges facing France and Europe today.
In a relaxed atmosphere in one of the dining rooms at his prestigious residence, Ayrault, in combative form, reviewed his policy reforms over the past 10 months and his strategy and priorities for the coming four years.
Fourteen keen AAPA journalists and the Prime Minister discussed the current economic climate in France and, more broadly, challenges seen from a European and global perspective. The thorny issues of corruption and the project to create a banking union in Europe were also addressed.
After almost two hours of the “getting-to-know-you” talks, and in-depth insights into the Prime Minister’s thinking, all agreed the meeting was useful and convivial and should be repeated.
—John Keating
