Macron says being an ally does not mean being a follower – DW – 04/12/2023

French President Emmanuel Macron Backing up his controversial past comments on Taiwan and Europe’s relationship with the United States On the second day of his official visit to Holland Wednesday.

Macron’s comments last week about Europe needs to go its own way Regarding tensions between the United States and China it was It was met with criticism from many angles.

During a press conference in Amsterdam alongside Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Macron said, “Being an ally does not mean being a follower… It does not mean that we do not have the right to think for ourselves.”

“France supports the status quo in Taiwan” and “a peaceful solution to the situation,” he added.

Trump criticizes Macron’s “friend”.

Macron said: “The worst thing we Europeans can do is to be a follower on this issue and adapt to the American rhythm and the Chinese exaggerated reaction.” Why Equus And Politico Friday After visiting China.

Former US president and top contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, Donald Trump, was the latest to release notes on Macron’s comments, in his own way.

“Macron, a friend of mine, is done with China, kissing his ass,” Trump said, referring to Macron and China’s Xi Jinping.

The French President described Trump’s comment as an example of the escalation that some parties are looking for.

“France does not support provocations, does not engage in fanciful politics and regards the status quo, respect and clarity as the best allies of European strategic autonomy,” Macron said.

Arresting anti-reform demonstrators

But the international repercussions of his remarks weren’t the only thing that plagued Macron’s trip to the Netherlands. Protesters also disturbed his official visit for the second consecutive day on Wednesday.

A man and woman have been arrested after they ran into the French president as he got out of a limousine with Dutch King Willem-Alexander outside. Amsterdam university.

The dramatic scene comes after a day of protests He boycotted Macron’s speech in The Hague. a Issuing the controversial retirement system reform law by decree It sparked intense protests and strikes across France for weeks.

One of the protesters running toward the president was heard chanting “For workers’ honor and a better world – even if Macron doesn’t like it, we’re here” as he was pinned to the ground.

Another group of about 40 protesters were still protesting when Macron left the university’s science faculty after a round table with the Dutch king and local business leaders.

“Debate sometimes has to be accepted,” Macron said, referring to the angry demonstrations in France and the Netherlands. “We must try to build a path for the future.”

This is not the first time that the current protests have dampened Macron’s diplomatic ambitions. Paris and London agreed to postpone what would have been King Charles III’s first trip abroad as monarch because of the planned strike.

AP/MS (Reuters, AFP, Associated Press)