Emmanuel Macron criticizes the crazies who want to pick a fight with Algeria

REPORTAGE – In a hospital in the Ariège department, the head of state expressed frustration that foreign doctors cannot easily practice in France. This provided an opportunity to criticize candidates who make Algeria a campaign issue.

With one year to go until the presidential election, it is a criticism that is sure to provoke a reaction. And a sign that Emmanuel Macron is determined to express his opinion on the programs of the contenders for his succession. Visiting Ariège on Monday, the head of state visited the recently rebuilt Lavelanet hospital. But during a discussion with about fifteen doctors from the facility who shared their grievances, the persistent lack of staff was pointed out to him. This was an opportunity for Emmanuel Macron to inquire about the fate of the ‘Padhue,’ the administrative acronym for non-EU qualified practitioners.

“Has it become simpler? It’s still a mess,” observes the President of the Republic, as only 30% of doctors who need to pass the exam actually succeed. “It drives me crazy. It’s really the madness of the French system. The Padhue, these are remarkable people, who work, who practice medicine, they are at the hospital…”