French President Emmanuel Macron is the first foreign guest to receive the honor of a state dinner during Biden’s term. Macron criticizes US subsidies as “super aggressive”.
During his state visit to the United States, French President Emmanuel Macron praised the alliance between the two countries as “stronger than anything else”. It is necessary to try to do justice to the historic significance of the partnership in the future, Macron said on Wednesday night (local time) during a speech at the French embassy in Washington. US President Joe Biden will receive him at the White House this Thursday. The program includes bilateral talks and a joint press conference, followed by a festive state banquet. At dinner, Frenchman Macron is said to like American cheese.
Macron has been in the United States for a multi-day state visit since Tuesday night (local time). In contrast to regular business visits, the protocol involved is much greater and includes special program items such as the state banquet. Macron is the first foreign guest under Biden’s management to receive this honor. He will be joined on the trip by his wife Brigitte and several ministers. On Wednesday, Macron met US Vice President Kamala Harris, among others, and with her emphasized cooperation between the two countries in space travel.
Criticism of “super aggressive” US subsidies
During his speech at the embassy, Macron said the visit was also to “synchronize common agendas”. There is a danger that, on many issues, the US will look to itself first and its rivalry with China second. A predictable point of conflict between Macron and Biden is the so-called Inflation Reduction Act: with the law, the US wants to boost its industry and give it preference over foreign competitors. Subsidies and tax credits are tied to companies that use US products or produce them in the US.
According to media reports, Macron addressed the issue at a luncheon with US lawmakers on Wednesday, sharply criticizing US product subsidies in the fight against climate change. The subsidies are “super aggressive” for French companies, the French president said. The US could perhaps solve its problems with this, “but you will add to my problem”. Without coordination between the US and the EU, “many jobs are at risk of being destroyed”. “Of course we are ready to have this conversation,” said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre.
American Cheese for the French President
It remains to be seen whether Macron and Biden will be able to resolve the issue before the festive state banquet. Dinner must therefore be harmonious – the White House has been working on this for six months. The menu features American specialties – including Maine lobster and wine from California’s Napa Valley. American cheese should also be served. The White House said they were “excellent, award-winning cheeses”. The French are proud of their cheese, which also has a prominent role in the world market. Dinner will be accompanied by jazz and soul musician Jon Batiste.
The dinner’s design was inspired by the identical colors of the two countries’ flags and is red, white and blue, US First Lady Jill Biden said, according to the White House about the table decor. “I’ve learned that setting the table can be an act of love – and having my own family, I’ve done my best to keep that tradition alive.” The banquet will be held in a heated pavilion on the White House’s south lawn – hundreds of guests are expected.
The table for the state banquet is already set. (c) ImagoMacron is also traveling to New Orleans
Joe Biden and Macron met for dinner in the US capital on Wednesday night – albeit in a slightly less formal setting at a seafood restaurant in Georgetown.
Following the program in Washington, the French president intends to travel to the metropolis of New Orleans, in the US state of Louisiana. The US government has emphasized that France is the United States’ oldest ally. Last year, relations between the two NATO partners suffered as France lost billions in submarine deals because of a new security alliance in the Indo-Pacific, in which the United States is involved.
(APA/dpa)