Emmanuel Macron: Those Who Sold Brexit Were Liars

French President Emmanuel Macron mocked British politicians who "falsely claimed that Britain's exit from the European Union would be easy, and then resigned from their positions without fulfilling their promises." On Thursday, September 20, during a two-day informal meeting of EU leaders in Salzburg, Austria, Macron also warned British Prime Minister Theresa May that she must work on her proposed plan for Britain's exit from the EU before the key meeting in October. Referring to the June 2016 referendum for Britain's exit from the EU - "Brexit" - he said: "Brexit was the choice of the British people, a choice that was presented by certain individuals seeking simple solutions." The French President added: "Thus, Brexit reminds us of something - and I say this with respect for the sovereignty of the British people - it shows us that those who said things would be easier without Europe, that everything would go well, that it was such a simple task and that it would fill people's pockets with money, were liars." Macron emphasized: "And most importantly, the day after, they left the scene, so they did not have to resolve it." He did not name these liars, but Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, and David Davis, the Brexit negotiator - both of whom strongly campaigned for Britain's exit from the EU - resigned from their positions in recent months during negotiations for an exit agreement. These two politicians also opposed Mrs. May's recent proposal for reaching an agreement with Europe, putting her in a difficult position to maintain the government's majority support in Parliament. According to the planned schedule, Britain is set to leave the EU on March 29, 2019, and is therefore seeking an agreement with the EU on important economic, political, and security issues. However, EU leaders on Thursday opposed the British Prime Minister's proposal known as the "Chequers plan," which was presented a month ago, stating that parts of it are unworkable. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, said that Theresa May's "proposed framework" for cooperation is "not feasible," although "there are positive aspects to it." He added: "There are matters we are not willing to compromise on, and at the top of these are our four fundamental freedoms and the single European market." Tusk stated: "That is why we are pessimistic and critical." Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, also took a similar stance and told reporters that European leaders unanimously agree that "there should be no compromise on the single European market." The "Chequers plan" is based on ensuring Britain's access to the EU's internal goods market, but this access will be limited for services, allowing London to impose its own regulations in certain areas. Theresa May's proposals have faced severe criticism from British conservatives, who argue that it concedes too much to the EU. In his remarks, Donald Tusk also took a hardline stance on the timeline for negotiations between the EU and Britain, stating that October will be a decisive month in this regard.