Laurent Saint-Martin “deeply shocked” by the letter from the American Embassy in France | EUROtoday

The Minister of French Foreign Trade, Laurent Saint-Martin, stated he was, Monday, March 31, “Deeply shocked” by the letter despatched by the American embassy to French corporations and known as for “Do not compromise” on the regulation and “French values”.

Claiming on RTL that the federal government would have “A discussion with the United States Embassy”Mr. Saint-Martin stated they need “Understand what is really the intention behind [cette initiative] »».

Several French companies have received in recent days a letter and a questionnaire from the Embassy of the United States asking them if they set up internal programs to combat discrimination. Missive warns them that if such programs were in force, this could prevent them from working with the US State.

“Unacceptable American interference”

For Mr. Saint-Martin, this letter amounts to asking companies to “Give up inclusion insurance policies, that are merely French and generally European regulation, particularly on equality between men and women within the struggle in opposition to discrimination, in opposition to racism, the promotion of range to assist individuals with disabilities”.

“All of this are advances that first correspond to our French values. We are proud of it and we do not want to compromise on this ”hammered the Minister, for whom this request from the United States “Would be yet another step in American extraterritoriality, however this time on the sector of values”.

Saturday, his ministry had already reacted, denouncing “Unacceptable American interference”. Sunday, MEDEF president Patrick Martin said he was “Out of the query” of ” hand over “ to inclusion rules in French companies.

Since his return to the White House, Donald Trump has embarked on a vast reform of the federal government, tracing public spending, which he considers waste or as contrary to his policy. Programs supporting diversity or inclusion are part of it.