“A deafening silence, followed by a completely above-ground response. »» Confidence of a minister who targets Emmanuel Macron directly, who remained strangely mutic after the announcement of the agreement between the European Union and the United States. The text, signed on July 26, provides for the establishment of customs duties of 15 % on a series of European products. A concession that strikes the French economy hard. However, it took more than 48 hours for Emmanuel Macron, usually so quick to comment on international news, is pronounced.
A compromise not glorious
But even more than expectations, it is the content of his answer that questions. “France will not be done”he said. A posture that contrasts with the European power of power that he has defended for years. “To be free, you have to be feared”he likes to repeat. Before adding: “We were not feared enough. »» Lucid diagnosis … but late. Because according to several diplomatic sources, the Élysée does not discover anything. “There have been constant exchanges between Paris and the Commission”says a former ambassador. A former macronist minister goes further: “It’s fine to accuse Brussels now. But von der Leyen is Macron’s choice. And it was he who agreed to delegate our economic policy to the Commission, to the detriment of our interests. »»
Behind the scenes, many judge the compromise acceptable
What can happen by August 7, date of entry into force of the system? Officially, the executive does not exclude opening discussions to try to exempt certain sectors, very exposed – alcohol, luxury, fine chemistry … But behind the scenes, many consider the compromise acceptable. “We avoided the worst, the 30 % surcharge promised by Trump. It’s not glorious, but it’s reality “recognizes a ministerial advisor. There remains a deep embarrassment: no one really assumes this line of strategic resignation. François Bayrou talks about ” submission “. Others denounce an abandonment of sovereignty. And while the criticism rose, the executive walled in silence. The storm ended up passing. But the damage is there. And the captain waited for the end of the grain to get out of the cabin.
