Macron pleads for "European preference" and invokes Elon Musk to support public investments in industry: "he is one of the people who has received the most billions of dollars from American taxpayers"

French President Emmanuel Macron advocated, in a speech delivered in Antwerp, Belgium, for a "European preference" and for significant investments in the sectors of the future, suggesting that these should be financed through common loans at the level of the European Union.

He highlighted the American model, where both private and public money contribute to innovation, mentioning the example of Elon Musk and the subsidies he receives.

Macron emphasized that this approach is essential for Europe to remain competitive against the United States and China.

In response, Musk challenged Macron's statements, arguing that the subsidies received by Tesla and SpaceX represent only 1% of their value, while European and American aerospace companies have benefited from public funding that exceeds 100% of their value.