Hollande spoke at the session on “New Global Order and the Future” on the second day of the Uludağ Economy Summit, organized by Capital, Economist and StartUp magazines, with the main sponsorship of P&G, at a hotel in Sapanca.
“NEGOTIATIONS WILL TAKE LONG TO BEGIN”
Stating that despite some uneasiness all over the world, hopes continue, Hollande touched upon the Russia-Ukraine War.
Hollande said that the war was the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that his neighbor’s occupation of his territory surprised the whole world.
Stating that he met with Putin frequently during his presidency, Hollande said, “I thought there would be an indirect or direct initiative after the first Ukraine war in 2014. That is to put Ukraine under the control of Russia. The war, which will last for a few weeks, will actually last for a few more months. Because even the fundamentals have not converged so that a negotiation can begin. Negotiations will take a long time to begin.” he said.
Stating that the annexation of 4 regions was not accepted by the Westerners and Ukraine, Hollande continued as follows:
“The international community cannot allow a deep conflict here, it cannot accept the violation of international law. On the other hand, the Russian army has military losses, Ukraine’s counterattack is successful. We see that the Ukrainians and President Zelensky are waiting for a victory. There are two stubbornnesses before us. “The two wills stand face to face. Therefore, we cannot think that this conflict will end very quickly. Surely, winter will freeze operations, but it will not stop the war. We have to ask: Will new conditions be possible in the spring? Will Putin want to get out of his international isolation or on the contrary. Will he do something else? He always says as a threat that they will use weapons of mass destruction. He also threatens to influence Western societies, even by saying that a major war will break out. But we know that nuclear deterrence rules will not allow him to use a tactical weapon. What is important to him is scare, threat to make; It’s not using a gun.”
Referring to the attitude of US President Joe Biden on this war, Hollande pointed out the importance of the elections to be held in the American Congress in November.
Talking about the effects of the war, Hollande talked about the problems in natural gas supply, the contraction in all world economies and the effects on energy prices.
– “Currently, there is a recession situation”
Stating that inflation has settled in the USA and Europe, Hollande said, “We have not seen this inflation for 30 years before. In addition to this inflation, there is a recession right now. As you know, both in the USA and Europe, interest rates will increase and the world will trade will slow down.” made its assessment.
Stating that he foresees a slowdown in growth in China, Hollande stated that there is an unsettling situation in African countries in terms of foodstuffs and borrowing.
Stating that it is a matter of curiosity whether Europe will continue to stay together in energy supply, Hollande said:
“The Germans are the most dependent country in terms of gas today, will they go on a quest first, or will they do it alone or with their partners? There is one more question. The USA benefits from this energy situation because the USA sells liquefied gas. First oil producers, price is relative But will the US keep this rent like this, or will they put pressure on oil producing countries and wait for more to come in. But they haven’t done much right now. Let’s face it, in 2023 the economic situation will be much more complicated and growth rates will increase. will weaken or even be at the level of zero. A recession will be seen all over Europe and America.”
Pointing out that with the invasion of Ukraine, Europeans began to feel the need for protection, Hollande said, “They want to be more autonomous and at the same time they will try to follow a more strict policy in NATO. Will they want NATO to be a more specific, better equipped organization, that kind of Let them be ready for attacks… Therefore, Sweden and Finland wanted to join NATO, and Turkey will if they want to.” said.
Stating that the USA has re-emerged on the world stage, Hollande said, “The USA wants to establish an alliance system in both Europe and Asia. They are looking for new countries to increase their defense partners. We see this in the initiatives of the Americans in Asia. They want to build resistance against Chinese intentions.” he said.
Stating that another disaster after the Russia-Ukraine War was “climate shocks”, Hollande stated that all countries are making intense efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Stating that industrialists focus on decarbonization, prevention of greenhouse gas production and reaching renewable energy production systems, Hollande said, “Countries that want to reduce carbon emissions will no longer use fossil energy, and countries that want to innovate in production and transportation and want to make this effort will become competitive. They will be able to sell their products in different places and provide better welfare to their people.” made its assessment.
– “TURKEY HAS A GREAT ADVANTAGE DUE TO ITS GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION”
Stating that there will always be trade in the world, Hollande said that the will of many countries is to continue this trade.
Pointing out that the activities are now shifting to areas closer to the places of consumption, Hollande said:
“Turkey has a great advantage due to its geographical location. Many activities can be done in Turkey. Most of these activities have been held in Asia or other countries until now. In this context, Europe faces a huge challenge. It has a union, but also changes There are also issues of energy and defense. I wonder how it will maintain its sovereignty and how it will be protected? Now, in order to answer all these questions, Europe must be united, although there are contradictions in it, it must be open. The meeting in Prague is more than we think. It was a larger organization. To be able to fight against all the challenges and challenges ahead, Europe must have a very wide framework and different geography, like a single currency. Turkey should look at the situation from this perspective because its future is in Europe.”