World Perspectives

Faux Pas; Naturally Wrong

Faux Pas Technical level EU trade officials were meeting today to discuss how to put transatlantic trade relations back on a better course. The success of such an initiative was already in doubt but now French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has sunk the idea before it could even get past first base. With no surprise but with bad timing and adverse rhetorical impact, he gave assurance that no matter what, France will impose heavy taxes on America’s successful digital platforms this year. That was not on Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan’s agenda, though it is easily anticipated. Still, when one’s goal is to elevate a discussion, reminding the other party of your intent to punish is Trumpish. Or to use the French vernacular, a...

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