Macron Rejects Trump at Davos: "France Will Not Bow!"
Emmanuel Macron reportedly has no intention of accepting US President Donald Trump's invitation to co-sign the "Board of Peace" charter in Davos on Thursday. A source close to Macron said the French president believes the charter's contents extend beyond Gaza and could potentially change the course of global diplomacy.
Macron is also said to be concerned that the charter could weaken the role of the United Nations (UN). For France, the UN's position and authority are "non-negotiable" in matters of international peace.
A source close to Macron confirmed that Macron considers it unacceptable for Trump to try to influence French foreign policy through threats. Therefore, Macron chose not to back down and wants to demonstrate a firm stance amidst the pressure.
Trump reportedly wants the full charter and mandate of the "Board of Peace" signed in Davos on Thursday, according to people familiar with the discussions. However, many other invitees are also reportedly still hesitant and see the plan as too forced.
Besides France, several countries are also said to have declined the invitation, including the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and Canada. This refusal reflects the cautious stance of European allies who do not want to be dragged into Trump's political agenda.
Tensions are growing as these countries are also targets of Trump's pressure regarding Greenland. They have supported Denmark, while Trump has increased pressure and linked it to trade measures.
At the European Union level, leaders are scheduled to hold an emergency summit this week to discuss a response. The EU is preparing the option of retaliatory tariffs on €93 billion worth of US goods if Trump actually implements a 10% tariff starting February 1, and Macron is pushing for the activation of the Anti-Coercion Instrument—the EU's most powerful retaliatory tool, which allows the EU to restrict access to the European market. (az)
Source: Newsmaker.id
