On Tuesday, January 20th, Donald Trump didn't hold back his words. When questioned by reporters at an airport in Florida, the American president reacted with irony to Emmanuel Macron's refusal, “at this stage”, to join his initiative for a “Peace Council.” “No one wants Macron, he won't be in power much longer,” he stated before pulling out his favorite weapon: tariffs.
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In the event that he continues to see a hostile stance, Trump is threatening to impose a 200% tax on French wines and champagnes. This is a deliberate economic pressure, aimed at forcing Paris to reconsider its position. On the French side, the president’s circle quickly responded that « tariff threats to influence our foreign policy are unacceptable and ineffective ».
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A « Peace Council » competing with the UN… and it costs money!
At the root of the discord: the famous « Peace Council » desired by Donald Trump. Initially conceived as part of a plan for Gaza, this body is now presented as a global conflict resolution entity, a direct competitor to the UN. The issue? The entry fee for a permanent seat would be set at one billion dollars.
France, through the voice of Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, has confirmed that it cannot « follow up » at this time. Germany, for its part, is calling for European coordination. Trump, on the other hand, assures that European leaders « won't hold out for long » and confirms having invited Vladimir Putin to join this.
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French winemakers on the front line
If the dispute is diplomatic, its consequences could be very tangible. The French winemakers are taking the threat very seriously. “We’re used to their strategy: the threat and fear,”
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The American market remains central for the industry, and a new escalation raises concerns. Professionals are now calling on the French government and the European Union to respond firmly. “We must make our main partner understand that he has much more.” », insists Jean-Marie Fabre. A trade war from which no one would truly come out as a winner.