Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) criticizes the American economic policy, but at the same time warns of a trade war with the USA over the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). “The USA is our value partner, but at the same time there is an enormously protectionist economic policy,” said Lindner WELT AM SONNTAG.
In Germany and France, the American IRA is viewed as a protectionist policy by the US government, including against Europe. The Americans spend billions to bring high-tech companies with new production to their country.
During a visit to Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron accused the US government of fragmenting the West with this policy.
Lindner, on the other hand, advocates taking the IRA as an opportunity “to improve our competitiveness. If you look at it clearly, you have to realize that constantly increasing EU demands on the economy in connection with energy prices are just as dangerous as the distortion of competition in the USA.”