In the memory of the First World War, Frenchman Macron denounces nationalism as a "treason of patriotism"

PARIS – In the shadow of a major war memorial, French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War by delivering an energetic reprimand against nascent nationalism, calling it a "treasonous betrayal." patriotism "and warning against the return of" old demons sowing chaos and death. "

In his speech in French to more than 60 world leaders, including President Trump, Macron set out to draw a clear dividing line between his belief that a world order based on liberal values ​​deserved to be defended and those who sought to disrupt this system.

The millions of soldiers who died during the Great War fought to defend France's "universal values", said Macron, and to reject "the selfishness of nations only taking care of their own interests because patriotism is exactly the opposite of nationalism. "

His words at a solemn ceremony of the Armistice under a cloudy sky at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, in the heart of the French capital, were intended for a global audience but also a sharp reprimand for the Russian President Vladimir Putin and others the audience.

Macron tried to counterbalance Trump, who recently called himself a "nationalist" and decided to demarcate the US from global treaties, including the Iranian nuclear deal, the agreement of Paris on the climate and the American program for refugees.

In the midst of growing divisions in Europe that have put the European Union under severe strain, Macron defended this institution, alongside the United States, and declared that "the spirit of cooperation" had "defended the common good of the world.

He denounced emerging ideologies that skewed religious beliefs and incited extremist forces to adopt a "grim path, again, that could undermine the legacy of peace that we thought was sealed forever."

The hard-hitting remarks came as world leaders gathered here sought to mark the centenary of the war by honoring those who served and died.

Before the ceremony, dozens of world leaders dressed in black were walking side by side along the Champs-Elysees towards the Arc. The military jets dragged over, emitting red, white and blue smoke, the colors of France.

Yet, Trump and Putin did not participate in the processions. The group, which had gathered for the first time at the Elysee, had come to the Arc by tourist bus along the boulevard wide 30 meters. The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral ring at 11 am, marking the signing of the armistice of a war in which 10 million soldiers disappeared.

But Trump and Putin went to the event and made separate entries a few minutes after the main group. A White House spokeswoman said Trump had arrived separately due to "security protocols", although she did not explain it.

Trump and Putin shook hands with the members, who are now assembled on risers at the foot of the monument, and took their own positions. Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, took a stand next to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while Putin stood next to Macron.

The ceremony could begin.

At the sound of a military band, Macron inspected the French troops to listen and a choir sang the national anthem. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma played a solo piece.

For Trump, dressed in a dark blue suit and a red tie, the ceremony marked the beginning of a day during which he was to attend a luncheon with the world leader and then visit the Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial – the next day skipped a visit to a different ceremony.

Trump's relationship with Macron deteriorated as the US president promoted a "America First" foreign policy that disrupted trade and defense allies. Macron sought to counter some of Trump's goals and held a three-day peace forum starting Sunday afternoon as Trump returns home to Washington with Air Force One.

In his remarks, Macron warned against spreading lies that fuel extremism and encouraged the pursuit of science and art.

"The worst can be overcome as long as we have men and women of good will to guide us," said Macron. "Without shame, let us be men and women of good will."

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