Macron Urges Clarification on US Surveillance Allegations: "Unacceptable Act"

Photo by Bloomberg News

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an explanation regarding allegations that the United States, with Denmark's support, wiretapped European politicians including German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

On the 31st (local time), according to Bloomberg News and others, President Macron stated at a press conference held after a video call with Chancellor Merkel, "We have requested all information related to this allegation from Denmark and the United States and are awaiting their response."

He said, "I am attached to the trust relationship between the United States and Europe, and there is no room for doubt between us."

He added, "There are many things we must do for our common security," but emphasized, "(If the allegation is true) it is unacceptable among allies."

Chancellor Merkel also expressed agreement with President Macron's position.

Senior European government officials mentioned as wiretap targets also raised their voices of criticism. Peter Hultqvist, Sweden's Minister of Defense, said in an interview with local media the day before, "Wiretapping an ally is unacceptable," and called for a public discussion on the issue. Frank Bakke-Jensen, Norway's Minister of Defense, stated, "We take all allegations seriously."

The day before, Denmark's public broadcaster DR reported that the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), based on a security cooperation agreement with Denmark's Defense Intelligence Service (FE) from 2012 to 2014, wiretapped leader-level politicians and senior government officials from Germany, Sweden, Norway, and France.

The wiretap targets included Frank-Walter Steinmeier, then Germany's Foreign Minister, and Peer Steinbr?ck, then leader of the German opposition party. DR reported that they were able to access their internet search records, chats, and messaging apps.

This allegation comes six years after the 2015 WikiLeaks revelation that the U.S. NSA had wiretapped Chancellor Merkel and former German chancellors for decades, according to the news agency.

The documents released by WikiLeaks included content of Chancellor Merkel's calls with associates regarding the 2009 global financial crisis and the 2011 Eurozone crisis, as well as calls with an Emirati prince concerning the Iran issue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.