French President Emmanuel Macron slammed US authorities on the first day of his state visit to Washington, telling US lawmakers on Wednesday that industrial subsidies introduced at the initiative of the Joe Biden administration are “too aggressive” towards French competitors, reports today, December 1, France – Press (AFP).
“This is very aggressive towards our businessmen”, Macron said in conversation with members of Congress and business executives during a luncheon held before his meeting with Biden.
The head of the Fifth Republic was referring to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed by the head of the White House, according to which billions of dollars will be invested in environmentally friendly industries with the active support of American producers. The US administration is touting the IRA as a “revolutionary attempt” to boost US manufacturing and promote renewable technologies, but EU governments are outraged by the passage of such legislation in the US, threatening to launch a trade war to subsidize its green economy, notes AFP.
Rebukes from Macron, who said he only wanted to “be respected as a good friend,” overshadowed a carefully planned state visit designed to showcase historic Franco-American ties, as well as address the biggest challenges facing the alliance. transatlantic must face. says the publication.
“We don’t want to become a market for American products because we have exactly the same products as you.” Macron stressed, emphasizing that France has its own middle class that needs work.
“And the implication of an IRA is that you might solve your problem, but make my problems worse. Sorry to be direct, He added.
One way or another, the White House continues to assert that the state visit of the head of the largest country in Western Europe takes place against the backdrop of the “warm relations” established between Biden and Macron.
France could try to negotiate some exceptions to tariffs and restrictions imposed by the US anti-inflation law, but Europe must act to protect its economic interests, as reported EADailythe finance minister of the Fifth Republic said on Sunday Bruno Le Maireaccompanying Emmanuel Macron during a state visit to the United States.
