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French President Emmanuel Macron, along with other EU leaders, extended their congratulations to Donald Trump after his proclamation of victory in the recent U.S. presidential election. They expressed a willingness to collaborate but made it clear that they would prioritize Europe’s interests.
Macron’s remarks on social media were noticeably more restrained compared to those of Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban and various far-right leaders around Europe, who rushed to congratulate Trump even before he officially declared his win.
These well wishes were set against a backdrop of unease among many European leaders regarding the potential ramifications of Trump returning to the White House. Given the tumultuous transatlantic relations during Trump’s previous administration, including his sharp critiques of NATO, his ambiguous stance on Ukraine’s struggle against Russia, and his views on climate change, numerous European officials had expressed concerns about a Trump victory prior to the election.
Nevertheless, Macron was among the first to reach out in an effort to foster a positive working relationship. "Congratulations, President Donald Trump. I am ready to collaborate again as we did over the past four years," he noted on social media. "With your beliefs and mine, grounded in respect and ambition, we can aim for greater peace and prosperity together."
In another post, Macron stated he had communicated with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is currently navigating crucial coalition discussions, to ensure a collective effort for a stronger, more unified Europe that safeguards its interests and principles.
NATO chief Mark Rutte was also among the many Europeans who congratulated Trump, expressing hope for productive cooperation ahead.
However, beyond foreign policy, European trade may encounter turbulence as Trump previously indicated last month that the EU would face significant consequences for not purchasing enough American goods if he secured the presidency.
POTENTIAL TRADE TENSIONS?
Trump has announced intentions to levy a 10% tariff on imports from all countries and impose 60% taxes on imports from China. Such measures could disrupt global supply chains, potentially provoking retaliatory responses and raising costs, with China possibly redirecting its exports to Europe, economists caution.
In light of this, Barclays has forewarned of potential "high single-digit" declines in European earnings if trade disputes resurface.
Orban, who often finds himself at odds with his EU counterparts and has openly supported Trump’s presidential campaign, celebrated the news on social media early Wednesday. "The greatest comeback in U.S. political history! Kudos to President @realDonaldTrump on his monumental victory. A much-needed win for the world!" he proclaimed. Orban further remarked earlier in the week that Europe would need to reevaluate its support for Ukraine should Trump regain the presidency.
Other far-right politicians throughout Europe were quick to commend Trump as well. “This election was about the working class in the U.S. It was not driven by the ‘woke’ Hollywood elite but rather by everyday working Americans,” said Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany’s Alternative for Germany party, on social media. “It was a decisive vote against mass immigration and a reaction to economic decline.”
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