From Washington, Emmanuel Macron criticizes ‘super aggressive’ US subsidies for French companies

This is one of the most painful issues between Paris and Washington. On the first day of a three-day visit to the United States on Wednesday, November 30, Emmanuel Macron criticized the subsidies provided by Joe Biden’s big climate plan that promote products. “Made in the USA” against goods imported from Europe and France.

“It’s super aggressive for our companies.”– said Mr. Macron during the lunch organized at the congress on climate issues and biodiversity. The French head of state was referring to the program of massive support for the energy transition desired by the American president, which he called the “Inflation Reduction Act” (IRA). The latter aims to provide generous subsidies to companies that produce specific electric vehicles, batteries or renewable energies, provided they are made on American soil.

The risk of “destroying a lot of work”.

“Put Yourself In My Place”“ No one contacted me when the IRA was discussed. “, He begged the French president to be “I respect you as a good friend”. “I have a middle class [qui doit] Work and people who need to find work. And the upshot of the IRA is that you may fix your problem, but you make mine worse. I’m sorry to be so rude.”He added about the difficult economic situation in Europe, amid the war in Ukraine, galloping inflation and the energy crisis.

Law to be enforced 1^Eh January 2023 raises fears of a major wave of industrial displacement in Paris and Brussels. Emmanuel Macron thus warned US elected officials and President Biden about the risks “destroy a lot of work” Unless there is coordination between Europe and the United States. Mr. Biden intends to boost the electric vehicle sector, both for industrial employment and to increase the energy transition and technological competition with China.

If the French president said that he “I didn’t believe it for a second” With this legislation considered crucial by the White House, the American took note, so he called for better synchronization between the United States and Europe.

In the evening, he reiterated his concerns in a speech to the French community at the French Embassy in Washington: “The risk is that, faced with the challenges of the time, the United States will first look at the United States, that’s normal (…) and then look at the rivalry with China and, to some extent, Europe and France will become. A kind of adjustment variable”. “The choices made, the goals of which I share, namely the IRA, are choices that will tear the West apart.”he added.

In Washington, it is believed that this act to reduce inflation will be a project “win-win” It is likely to stimulate the European economy.

According to Kamala Harris, “a vital ally for the United States.”

The state visit of Emmanuel Macron, the first foreign leader to be accorded this diplomatic honor by Joe Biden, began on a more polite note. Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed A “A vital ally for the United States”Meeting and collaborating at NASA headquarters “Based on democratic principles and common values”.

After a heartfelt exchange with elected members of Congress, the head of state traveled to Arlington National Cemetery, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as a white rose at the Tomb of Pierre Charles L’Enfant. French architect who designed plans for the American capital.

In front of the French community at the French Embassy, ​​Emmanuel Macron estimated that it was his second state visit to the United States, after 2018. “Testimony[ait] Also the strength, the bond between the United States and France.” He was begging “Together let’s try to live up to what history has sealed between us, an alliance stronger than anything.”

After that, he and his wife Bridget Macron were supposed to have dinner with Joe and Jill Biden. The dinner is meant to be intimate, a far cry from the formal pomp that the White House will display for the French president on Thursday, amid cannon shots, Oval Office meetings and a gala dinner.