FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron rubbed elbows with high-ranking officials and Swedish royals as he landed in Stockholm for a diplomatic visit.
Members of the Swedish royal family including King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Sylvia, Princess Victoria, and Prince Carl Philip, together with their respective spouses sat down with President Macron and his wife First Lady Brigitte for a lavish gala dinner at the Royal Palace.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was also in attendance.
In a joint press conference with Kristersson, the French president said both countries want to deepen cooperation on nuclear power, forestry, and security.
At a gathering of French and local business leaders on Wednesday, Macron proposed “smarter” and less regulated industrial and energy policies in Europe, noting that over-regulation puts the region at a disadvantage to the United States and China.
Macron’s visit to the country was marked with protests from thousands of angry farmers back home who have blocked the streets of France for about two weeks now. The farmers protested against the immigration law recently adopted by parliament and demanded pay increases, less red tape, and protection from foreign competition.
