French President Emmanuel Macron criticises US trade tactics and “unacceptable” tariffs at Davos, defending European sovereignty and rule of law.
DAVOS: President Emmanuel Macron said France preferred “respect to bullies” and rejected “unacceptable” tariffs.
He made the remarks at the World Economic Forum following US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose levies on countries opposing his plans to seize Greenland.
“France and Europe are attached to national sovereignty and independence, to the United Nations and to its charter,” Macron said.
He warned of a shift towards a world without rules and effective collective governance.
Macron described competition from the United States through trade agreements that undermine European export interests.
He said these were combined with an endless accumulation of new tariffs that are fundamentally unacceptable.
The French leader stated they were even more unacceptable when used as leverage against territorial sovereignty.
“We will do our best in order to have a stronger Europe, much stronger and more autonomous,” he added.
Macron wore aviator sunglasses after appearing in public with a bloodshot eye last week.
He had asked his audience to excuse the unsightly look during a New Year’s address to the military.
“But we do prefer respect to bullies,” the French president said in Davos.
“And we do prefer rule of law to bullying.”
He concluded that Europe believed in the need for more growth and stability in the world.
