Two days after the arrival of King Carlos III and Queen Camila in France, the Elysee announced this Friday the postponement of this state visit. But that shouldn’t rhyme with a lot of financial losses, BFMTV learned from a close friend of the President of the Republic.
Since the visit, which was to take place from March 26 to 29, has not been cancelled, but only postponed, the lost costs will be limited, according to this source. In fact, most services have simply been postponed.
For example, the cancellation of food expenses was made three days in advance, enough time for the Élysée not to have to pay them.
A new date set “in early summer”
This state visit was postponed after a phone call between Emmanuel Macron and the king. The Élysée announced that this decision was taken “in view of the announcement of a new national day of action against the pension reform on Tuesday, March 28 in France”, when Carlos III would be in French territory.
During a press conference in Brussels, Emmanuel Macron judged this Friday that it would not have been “serious” to maintain the state visit in this context.
“So, because we have a lot of friendship, respect and esteem for them and the British people, I took the initiative this morning to call him and tell him what the situation was. Since this decision was made, common sense and friendship lead us to propose a postponement,” he said.
A new state visit should be set with the British crown “at the beginning of summer”, the head of state specified. This should allow the king to “receive well” and that he can “enjoy France, Paris and Bordeaux”.
Source: BFM TV
