Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron landed in Washington on Tuesday evening, November 29 (at 1:40 a.m. Wednesday in Paris).
The French president begins a three-day state visit, his second to the United States, which will combine the pomp of the White House with strategic discussions with Joe Biden.
The French president intends to discuss with his American counterpart the massive plan to support the energy transition, or Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which grants generous subsidies to electric vehicles, batteries or renewable energies provided that they are "made in America ".
In front of the big bosses of the two countries received for lunch at the Élysée just before leaving, Emmanuel Macron estimated, according to the presidency, that this law included "protectionist measures which pose strong challenges for European industrialists".
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"To deal with it, he insisted on the importance of a concerted European response and the adoption of a 'Buy European Act'", which would also give priority to products made on the Old Continent, reported its services.
On this subject, the White House is "in a listening phase", spokesman John Kirby told French journalists.
He hinted that concrete decisions should not be expected during this visit, while assuring that this plan was as favorable for the European economy as for the American economy.
Joe Biden, himself, does not seem in the mood to apologize for his measures in favor of American industry which must allow “no longer to be held hostage” by other countries, he warned Tuesday while visiting a microchip factory in the state of Michigan.
Francophonie and official meetings
These frictions should in any case not spoil the party.
On Wednesday, after talking about space cooperation with Vice-President Kamala Harris in the presence of French astronauts Thomas Pesquet and Sophie Adenot, the environment with American parliamentarians and civil nuclear power with industry players, the Head of State will address the French community then meet, with his wife Brigitte Macron, Joe and Jill Biden for a "private dinner".
Thursday, it is in a much more solemn, although festive, that Emmanuel Macron will be received at the White House, freshly adorned with the decorations and illuminations put in place for the end of the year celebrations.
He will be welcomed by the American president during a ceremony punctuated by twenty-one cannon shots and hymns.
After an interview behind closed doors in the Oval Office, a joint press conference and a meeting with the leaders of the American Congress, it's time for the sumptuous moment of the State dinner.
Under a tent erected in the gardens of the White House, it will be hosted by Jon Batiste, a singer committed to defending the rights of African-Americans.
This jazzman is a pillar of the music scene in New Orleans, the once French city of Louisiana where Emmanuel Macron will go on Friday for a visit dedicated to the Francophonie, in the presence of filmmaker Claude Lelouch and dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied.
With AFP
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