The French Ministry of Foreign Trade denounces on Saturday, March 29, “American interference” after sending a letter from the United States Embassy to Paris to several French companies asking them if they set up internal programs to combat discrimination.
“American interference in the inclusion policies of French companies, such as unjustified customs duties, are unacceptable,” the ministry said in a statement transmitted to AFP. “France and Europe will defend their businesses, their consumers, but also their values,” said the ministry, in a context of strong trade tensions between the United States and Europe.
The recipients of the mail were informed of the fact that “Decree 14173”, taken by Donald Trump from the first day of his return to the White House to put an end to the programs promoting equal opportunities within the federal state, also applied to all suppliers and providers of the US government “, as shown in a document revealed Friday by Le Figaro.
Companies linked by a commercial contract to the US State are obliged to break with the positive discrimination policies possibly implemented. “This practice reflects the values of the new American government” reacted the entourage of the Minister of Economy Eric Lombard on Friday. “It is not ours,” added Bercy’s cabinet in his reaction transmitted to the press, adding that “the Minister will recall his counterparts within the United States government”.
Questioned by AFP, the United States Embassy in Paris did not react immediately.