French President Emmanuel Macron praised Europe’s “predictability” during a visit to Japan, contrasting it with countries that “could hurt you without even informing you” in an apparent swipe at Donald Trump, AFP reported.
Speaking to an audience of Japanese business leaders and investors in Tokyo, Macron acknowledged that Europe can be seen as slower than others, but emphasised that “predictability has value” and that Europe has demonstrated consistency over the years and weeks. “We are where you know we will go,” he said.
Macron criticised countries that claim to be moving faster but whose positions remain uncertain, suggesting they could make decisions that harm allies without notice. The remark was interpreted as a reference to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for Japanese imports.
His comments come as several European countries respond to US President Donald Trump’s hints at pulling out of Nato, amid growing frustration with allies. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, however, said after speaking with Trump that “problems are there to be solved, pragmatically.”
