Macron leveled unexpectedly sharp criticism of his American guests shortly after landing in Washington on Wednesday.
The US decision to subsidize American industry has indeed shocked the French, who believe it will destroy European trade.
– This is very aggressive towards our business community. It will cost a lot of jobs in Europe, Macron said during a lunch with American politicians and businessmen on Wednesday afternoon.
Anger at Biden’s climate policy
Macron referred to Biden’s green industrial policy, which earmarks billions of dollars for the development of climate-friendly industry and technology, with particularly strong support given to American products. The same goes for microchip development in the United States.
The fear is that the investment will give unfair advantages to American companies at a time when the aftermath of the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis are causing major problems for Europe and European businesses.
Macron is the first foreign leader to pay a state visit to Washington since Biden became president nearly two years ago.
Important collaboration
But despite the criticism, diplomats on both sides of the Atlantic believe France’s importance to the United States is invaluable.
– Americans have received many unclear signals from London, Berlin and Rome in recent years, and while French strategy is not always understood, it is at least quite understandable and consistent, says Mathieu Droin of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington at Ritzau .
Macron’s supporters believe the French president has brought renewed energy and creativity to international diplomacy, while critics believe his defiant diplomatic style could have negative consequences.
Strong opinions
The Biden administration has had a good relationship with France and has acknowledged to Macron that he has shown leadership in the G7, NATO and the United Nations, as well as in the EU by supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia.
– The emphasis is on the fact that France is a country that does not fail to express its opinion, which can create problems. But that’s also what makes them a valuable partner, Droin says.
Macron also met with US Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday. The actual part of the state visit takes place on Thursday, when Macron meets Biden in the White House.
