The French president arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit and wasted no time in showing him what’s coming to him. First at a lunch with American businessmen and congressmen, and then at a reception at the French embassy, Emmanuel Macron made it clear that he did not welcome the Biden administration’s plan to accelerate the energy transition in the United States, which includes direct support to the United States. in favor of products Made in USA.
“It’s too aggressive for our companies,” Macron complained during the congress lunch, and asked the public listening to put themselves in his shoes. “Nobody called me when it was the IRA [Inflation Reduction Act] was under discussion. I have a middle class [que precisa de] Work and people looking for work. The result of the IRA is that you will solve your problem, but you will make mine worse. Sorry for being so blunt, “said the French president, citing Agence France-Presse.
a Inflation Reduction ActThe Inflation Control Act, which Biden approved in the summer and is set to take effect in January, is a $370 billion climate and energy plan that contains, among other things, direct incentives for companies that produce electric cars and batteries on American soil.
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire had told his US counterpart, Janet Yellen, that France and the EU viewed the package as a protectionist initiative that left US European allies at a disadvantage and that there was a risk. Cooling off transatlantic relations.
Macron made the same point on Wednesday night when he met the French community at the embassy in Washington. The head of state declared that “the choices that have been made, though I share the aims, particularly the IRA, are choices that will fragment the West”, adding, however, that he “does not believe for a moment” that Joe Biden will come to change the course of the legislation .
The two presidents had their first contact on Wednesday, with an informal dinner, and on Thursday, business meetings and the rest of the official program, which includes a cannon salute and a gala dinner—the first of a Joe Biden presidency.
According to Elysee sources heard by the French press, Macron intends to take a “constructive” approach with Biden that would allow France and Europe to “progress side by side” with the United States. “The president assumes his words. There are no surprises. He did not come to Washington to celebrate the alliance, but to talk about serious matters.” Le Monde Adviser to the Head of State.
At the same time, officials of both countries emphasize the strong friendship that unites them. Before Emmanuel Macron made a speech in Congress, US Vice President Kamala Harris praised France as a “vital ally of the United States”. The French president declared that this was “an alliance stronger than anything else”.
In Washington, the new legislation is seen as key to boosting the energy transition and competing with China. Macron fears that he will fall into the competition between the two superpowers, “Europe, and therefore France, [se] It became a kind of mod variant.
The opposite rhetoric is coming from the White House. “We are very dependent on China for most of the metals used in the manufacture of batteries and the aim of Inflation Reduction Act US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said at a conference in New York times.
In the same vein, a spokeswoman for Joe Biden said the new package “presents important opportunities for European businesses and benefits for EU energy security.”
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