In Washington, Macron defends more economic synchrony with the US

This Wednesday, 30, Emmanuel Macron lamented the “super aggressive” economic measures adopted by Joe Biden to boost American industry and called for more economic coordination on both sides of the Atlantic in the face of the risk of “dividing the West”. This was the first day of the French president’s state trip to celebrate Franco-American ties, and the head of state did not hide his concern during a lunch with parliamentarians. “The massive subsidies included by Biden in an economic and social law called the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are super aggressive for our companies”, complained the French president: “I do not want to become a market for the products Americans because I have exactly the same products as you. I have a middle class that needs to work and people that need to find work. Perhaps you will solve your problem, but you will make mine worse with this massive investment program”.

“Put yourself in my shoes,” Macron added to lawmakers during a lunch that was supposed to focus on climate change and at which he asked to “be respected as a good friend”. France looks down on the economic patriotism of the democratic president, who follows the motto “Made in USA”. Later, in a speech at the French embassy in Washington, Macron insisted that the US investment and subsidy program to help its companies could be a turning point in US relations with Europe. Despite voicing his support for the IRA’s environmental goals, Macron said “these are decisions that will divide the West”, telling American lawmakers that “what has happened in recent months has been challenging” for France.

The French president indicated that he does not “believe” that there will be a step back on this law considered crucial by the White House, but defended a better synchrony between the United States and Europe. Joe Biden spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated Washington’s position that this law creates “significant opportunities for European business and for European energy security.” “France is a vital ally of the United States,” said Vice President Kamala Harris hours earlier as she welcomed Macron to NASA headquarters.

The alliance with the United States is “stronger than anything”, Macron agreed before the French community at the French embassy after visiting Arlington National Cemetery, where he laid a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier and placed a white rose on the crown. by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the French architect who designed the plans for the American capital.

In the evening, Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron met with the couple Joe and Jill Biden for an intimate dinner, before the official ceremonies scheduled for this Thursday, 1, at the White House. In September 2021, the United States announced a new alliance, AUKUS, with Australia and the United Kingdom, angering France. In addition to being kept on the sidelines in a key region of the world, Paris lost to the US a billionaire contract for the sale of submarines signed with Canberra. In addition to trade protectionism, Macron and Biden will speak this Thursday on topics such as China and Ukraine.

*With information from AFP