French President Emmanuel Macron embarks on his first tour of Latin America, a six-day trip that includes stops in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. This represents a significant shift in his foreign policy, as during his first term (2017-2022) he had sidelined the region.
Macron began his approach to Latin America in late 2022 when he mediated the political crisis in Venezuela. Now, in 2024, he seeks to strengthen relations with the region, considering that it shares values and history with France. According to sources from the Élysée, there is a willingness to build new projects and confront the growing influence of powers like Russia and China.
The French leader will visit the home of poet Pablo Neruda in Santiago, Chile, to honor the writer and former Chilean ambassador to France. Additionally, he has a rich cultural agenda that includes participating in the National Congress of Chile in Valparaíso, where he will deliver a speech, marking the first time a French president has done so in Latin America before Chilean lawmakers.
During his visit to Brazil, Macron will try to convince the government to return to the climate consensus and will express French opposition to the EU-Mercosur agreement. He will participate in the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where the coordination of fiscal policies for taxing multinationals and preventing tax evasion by large fortunes will be addressed.
Regarding bilateral relations, Macron has shown interest in strengthening ties with Mexico and Brazil. Concerning Mexico, he highlighted the close ties between the two countries and mentioned the desire to speak more regularly with President Claudia Sheinbaum, who was invited to France after taking office.
Finally, Macron establishes a close relationship with Chilean President Gabriel Boric, whom he will visit in Chile. Both leaders show a relationship of affinity, and Macron has expressed his support for the opposition in Chile, condemning any threat to opposition figures.