Paris (AFP)

The French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, on Tuesday described as "unacceptable" the threat of US retaliation against the French tax on digital and hoped that the European Union "forcefully" if they were to materialize.

"The simple project, which could be applied within 30 days, new sanctions against France, it is unacceptable," said Le Mayor on Radio Classique.

"This is not the behavior expected of the United States vis-à-vis one of its main allies, France, and generally Europe," he said. added.

The minister said the French authorities had made contact on Monday with the new European Commission to talk about Brussels' reaction to the Trump administration's threats and "to make sure that if there were any new US sanctions, would have a European response, a strong response, "he said.

The Mayor, however, called for "avoiding to enter this logic of sanctions and the response between the United States and Europe.This does not interest anyone.This is not in the interests of trade, not in the interest of growth, of political stability ".

The Minister once again advocated for a global agreement on digital taxation, under the auspices of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), after suspecting the United States the day before to be unwilling to continue ongoing negotiations.

"We are now waiting for the American response," he said. "Do Americans yes or no accept the proposal for international taxation of digital activities that is on the table at the OECD?"

"If they say yes, there is no problem, all the problems are solved," he promised.

"If they say no, it means that they do not respect the commitment they made at the end of August between the President of the Republic and President Trump (at the G7 summit in Biarritz), between France and the United States, to find in good faith an international solution. "

Washington has threatened to impose additional tariffs of up to 100% on the equivalent of $ 2.4 billion in iconic French products, from sparkling wine to cheese to handbags.

The French tax imposes the digital giants to 3% of turnover in France.

© 2019 AFP