The diplomatic relations between Germany and France have reached a new low after Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a 25% tariff on French cheese imports, in retaliation for President Emmanuel Macron’s ban on German sausages in France.
The cheese tariff, which will affect popular products such as camembert, brie, and roquefort, has sparked outrage among French consumers and producers, who accuse Scholz of waging a “culinary war” against their country.
Macron, who has been vocal about his support for the French sausage industry, has threatened to impose further sanctions on German goods, such as beer, cars, and cuckoo clocks, if Scholz does not revoke the cheese tariff.
The escalating trade dispute has raised fears of a military confrontation between the two European powers, who have been allies for decades. Some analysts have warned that the cheese tariff could trigger a “cheese war” similar to the infamous “cod war” between the UK and Iceland in the 1970s.
Both leaders have refused to back down from their positions, and have expressed their readiness to defend their national interests and pride. Scholz has reportedly ordered the German army to prepare for a possible invasion of France, while Macron has mobilized the French air force to patrol the border with Germany.
The European Union has urged both sides to calm down and resolve their differences through dialogue and compromise, but so far, no progress has been made. The cheese tariff is set to take effect on April 1, 2024, unless a last-minute agreement is reached.