Macron Warns Against Opening Pandora's Box, Refuses to Comment on Whether Trump is Still an Ally

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, "We prefer respect over bullies. We prefer the rule of law over violence," and called on people not to "waste time on crazy ideas." This speech appeared to be a response to U.S. President Trump's foreign policy.

Macron also stated that the originally planned G7 summit scheduled for Thursday in Paris was not arranged. Previously, he had privately proposed to Trump to hold this meeting - which Trump then publicly revealed through a text message.

Overnight, Trump released a series of memes and information, including his claims of sovereignty over Greenland and Canada, private text messages from Macron and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, and a new statement that the U.S. must own Greenland. Trump told reporters, "The message (at Davos) is how amazing our country is now."

Macron spoke in English during his speech at Davos and wore sunglasses due to an eye condition. The French president emphasized, "We cannot accept a world order decided by those who claim to have the most voice or the strongest military power."

Macron continued, "We should not waste time on crazy ideas. We should not open Pandora's box." Macron also accused the United States of "damaging our export interests through trade agreements, demanding our maximum concessions, and openly aiming to weaken and control Europe."

Macron stated at Davos that Washington's "unending accumulation" of new tariffs is "fundamentally unacceptable," especially when these tariffs are used as a bargaining chip for territorial sovereignty.

Trump has repeatedly reiterated his intention to annex Greenland, threatening to raise tariffs on European countries that oppose him, and even considering the use of force. Macron called this situation "crazy" and suggested that the EU might have to "first" use "anti-coercion instruments" (ACI) against the U.S.

Macron emphasized, "Europe now has very strong tools, and when we are not respected and the rules are not followed, we must use these tools."

Trump also hopes to establish a "Peace Council" under his control, aimed at resolving conflicts around the world, competing with the United Nations, and proposing a $1 billion membership fee to obtain a permanent seat on the Security Council. Macron reiterated, "France and Europe are committed to maintaining national sovereignty and independence and adhering to the United Nations and its Charter."

Regarding the proposal by the G7 to hold a meeting in Paris on Thursday, Macron later clarified to journalists, "There is currently no plan to hold a meeting," but "France is open to holding a meeting during its presidency."

Macron said he hoped to turn this year's G7 summit, hosted by France, into a forum for "open dialogue" and "seeking collective solutions."

When asked whether Trump is still an ally, Macron refused to comment. The French president told reporters, "That should be answered by himself. His actions do not fully reflect it."

Macron added, "I am not here to judge or comment, but to take action. When the French economy faces unjust attacks, I will defend it. For nine years, I have been committed to building a stronger Europe."

Macron said, "We must never be violated or attacked." Additionally, Macron told reporters on Tuesday that he did not intend to engage in dialogue with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854882161575944/

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