There is an ideological attachment to the gig company. See Macron trying to change the labor laws in France. In Macron's mind, France is "uncompetitive" and so Uber is like a straight-to-the-veins routing around the political system to change that.
Having lived in France, I would definitely agree on some level with that, I see an entire nation of people fighting over surpluses and a lot less productivity - but I wonder if even that would be enough.
Agree with Macron or not - that's at least him doing is job to 'make things happen' - but the degree of complicity is just to much.
There's money going somewhere somehow, that's the missing piece.
I don't suggest there is outright bribery because that's 'illegal' and would 'really get them in trouble' but something softer like campaign contributions or related causes, or favours here and there.
Why would Biden, Macron bother with this company, and not others?
Where is the 'money flow' happening here? Is someone being bribed? Was Uber funnelling money to a related cause?
I can understand ministers wanting to please a big up and coming company, sure, that's their job in some way, but not like this.
How does Uber have the ability to get the VP to 'change their speech'.
What's going on? That's not in the article.