In an interview on BBC One’s The Andrew Marr Show, Emmanuel Macron discussed Donald Trump, trade deals with the UK and the possible results of a similar EU referendum in France.
During his visit to the UK last week, the French President was questioned about Trump’s controversial comments made about several African countries last week – referring to them as “shithole” countries.
“It’s not a word you can use if you want precisely to build peace, developments in these countries and a respectful relationship,” Macron told Marr.
The French President also said it was important to not react to Trump’s Twitter outbursts.
“I think we should not overplay the situation in these tweets. It’s a sort of mix between personal and political reaction.”
When asked about a future trade deal between the EU the UK, Macron said that it was possible but Britain would not be able to “cherry-pick” the elements it liked.
“There should be no cherry-picking in the single market because that’s a dismantling of the single market,” he said.
“As soon as you decide not to join the [EU] preconditions, it’s not a full access.
“What is important is to not make people believe that it is possible to [have your cake and eat it].”
Theresa May reassured EU leaders in a separate interview that the UK did not plan on “cherry-picking” when discussing future trade deals.
“We want to negotiate a comprehensive free trade agreement and a security partnership,” she told the German newspaper Bild.
“Because we don’t start from the position of, say, Canada or Norway – there are significant and long-grown economic links between us.
“What I want and hope is that the importance of a lasting good relationship for people on both sides of the Channel is recognised,” she added.
In Sunday’s interview, Macron told Marr that if France had a similar referendum, the French people would most likely have voted to leave the EU.
“You always take a risk when you ask in a referendum yes or no on a very complicated subject.”