Asked by reporters whether the problem with Trump was that he ‘didn't care about being isolated’, Macron said: "You say the U.S. President doesn't care at all. Maybe, but nobody is forever
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday no leader was forever, suggesting a more confrontational attitude towards U.S. President Donald Trump as leaders from the Group of Seven countries prepare to clash on trade at a summit in Canada.
Asked by reporters whether the problem with Trump was that he ‘didn't care about being isolated’, Macron said: "You say the U.S. President doesn't care at all. Maybe, but nobody is forever," he told a news conference flanked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "The six countries of the G7 without the United States, are a bigger market taken together than the American market."
"There will be no world hegemony if we know how to organise ourselves. And we don't want there to be one," Macron said.
Macron had so far taken a more conciliatory tone with Trump, whom he calls his "friend". On Thursday, although he said it was important to remain civil, he signalled his intention to close ranks with other leaders.
"Maybe the American president doesn't care about being isolated today, but we don't mind being six, if needs be," Macron added.
"Because these six represent values represent an economic market, and more than anything, represent a real force at the international level today," he said.
“The American President may not mind being isolated, but neither do we mind signing a 6 country agreement if need be. Because these 6 countries represent values, they represent an economic market which has the weight of history behind it and which is now a true international force,” he tweeted later.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau predicted "robust discussions" on trade, but other G7 members like Japan and Italy seemed less likely to want to challenge the U.S. president.
Trump fired back soon after on Twitter, addressing both leaders directly, saying they were charging "massive tariffs" on U.S. goods and had erected other trade barriers.
"I look forward to seeing them tomorrow," Trump wrote about Friday's start of the two-day summit.
The G7 leaders will meet in a luxury cliff-top hotel in the town of La Malbaie, about two hours' drive from Quebec City. The site has been sealed off by police, making demonstrations impossible.
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 "French President Emmanuel Macron waves to the crowd while touring Old Montreal with his wife Brigitte Macron in Montreal")
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