What is the makila, this typically Basque object offered by Bruno Le Maire to his successor Antoine Armand?

During the handover of power at Bercy this Sunday, September 23, Bruno Le Maire marked the transfer of his functions as Minister of the Economy to Antoine Armand by offering his successor a makila, reports Le Huff Post the same day. This walking stick and traditional defense weapon, emblem of authority and protection in Basque culture, symbolizes here the endurance required for the mission. The makila is a walking stick, so it will help you cross the passes. But it is also a weapon of defense to face the many dangers that you will encounter on your way “, explained the man who is preparing to teach in Switzerland.

The makila is a staff made of medlar wood, a beautiful red, which has a point in its handle and a strap that allows it to be brandished. The staff has gradually adapted to changes in society and the evolution of morals. Many elements have evolved over time: its decorations, its symbols engraved in the metal, its pommel and its point.

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“Creating a model that combines growth, reduction of emissions and protection of biodiversity”

Bruno Le Maire’s gift was well received by Antoine Armand, who stressed the importance of this moment while reaffirming his commitment to continuing the reforms initiated by his predecessor. This transition is taking place in a difficult economic context, with very degraded public spending and the competitiveness of the French economy in decline.

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Referring to the broad guidelines of his action, Antoine Armand insisted on the need to continue the ” fight for food, energy, industrial, technological and digital sovereignty ” of the country and the establishment of decent wages ” for all working French people “Another stated objective: the challenge of the climate emergency. ” We must bring about a model that combines growth, reduction of emissions and protection of biodiversity. This will be our goal “, he assures.