“Abandoned by all good spirits” – France rejects Macron’s criticism
German politicians in particular are irritated by the French president. But there is also criticism from the US. Now Paris is reacting.
Apparently no longer willing to be “America’s slave”: Emmanuel Macron (right) with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Photo: Keystone
French President Emmanuel Macron’s push to give Europe a more independent role vis-à-vis the US and China has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from German politicians. “Macron seems to have been abandoned by all good spirits,” said CDU foreign politician Norbert Rotgen of Bild newspaper. “Although it is the United States, not France or Germany, that provides substantial support to Ukraine, Macron is calling for the U.S. to turn away while protecting Europe. Macron is calling for a rapprochement with China as China continues its offensive on Taiwan,” Rotgen continued.
The French President said this in an interview published in a French newspaper on Sunday “Les Echoes” It demanded that Europe not be a “follower” on the Taiwan issue. “The worst thing is that we Europeans think we have to be followers and follow the American rhythm and Chinese overreaction,” the head of state said.
“A Serious Mistake”
“Our priority cannot be to conform to the agenda of others in all parts of the world,” Macron said. Macron, who met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week, said, “If we build it up for a few years, we could be the third pole, while we risk becoming Europe’s slaves.” Interviewed Friday during his visit to China. (See analysis: Macron has made an absolute disaster)
SPD politician Metin Hakverdi told “Tagesspiegel”: “Being as divided as the West when dealing with Beijing is a serious mistake.” On the other hand, Dietmar Bartsch, leader of the left parliamentary group, in “Tagesspiegel” called Macron’s desire for strategic independence for Europe a goal worth striving for, linked to the goal of becoming a world power for peace.
“If President Biden is paying attention, he should call Mr. Macron and ask if he’s interested in providing Donald Trump’s election assistance.”
Criticism also came from the US: US Senator Marco Rubio posted a video on Twitter in which he said: If Europe does not side with China or the US on the Taiwan issue, the US should align itself in Ukraine, perhaps without causing conflict. on one side.
By the Wall Street Journal An editorialFrench president’s “unhelpful comments” undermine US and Japanese deterrence against China in Western Pacific In addition, the reports will encourage US politicians who want to reduce US involvement in Ukraine. “If President Biden is paying attention, he should call Mr. Macron and ask if he would be interested in providing Donald Trump’s electoral assistance,” the newspaper wrote. Also: It’s understandable if Macron wants to become more independent from the US. But he should also be ready to initiate political change by talking money accordingly.
Mujtaba Rahman, European head of the Eurasia Group, a political consultancy, criticized “Guardians”, timing Macron’s comments during Chinese military maneuvers in Taiwan. “This is being interpreted as a green light for Beijing’s appeasement and Chinese aggression.” Perhaps Macron is trying to improve his poll numbers by emulating Charles de Gaulle in France.
Paris tries to convince
A spokesman for the Elysee Palace on Tuesday rejected strong criticism of the French president’s statements on Taiwan and the United States. Macron has often said that France is not equidistant from the US and China.
“The United States is our ally and we share common values.” On the other hand, China is a partner, competitor and systemic competitor with whom we need to develop a common agenda to reduce tensions and solve global problems, the spokesperson said. France also supports the position on the Taiwan issue. Macron has made it clear to Chinese President and Party leader Xi Jinping that the Taiwan issue must be resolved through dialogue.
AFP/SDA/nlu
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