On his first international trip as the new prime minister of Germany, Olaf Scholz went to Paris to meet the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, this Friday (10).
At the friendly-toned meeting, the leaders sought to minimize differences between countries, particularly in discussions on reforming the budget rules of the European Union (EU) and on green investments that are one of the priorities of the new German government.
Scholz took over as prime minister on Wednesday (8), ending the 16-year era in which Angela Merkel was at the helm of Europe’s biggest economy. Macron had a good relationship with the German leader, but the change in command, analysts say, offers the French an opportunity to assume an even more important role in the relationship with the neighboring country.
“Over the past four years, I’ve worked with Angela Merkel on all of these issues,” Macron told Scholz during a joint news conference. “I know we will stay together, dear Olaf, in this close collaboration.”
More reserved, Scholz explained that the two talked about working together to make Europe stronger. The rare triple coalition that allowed the new prime minister to be elected has as one of its main goals the more assertive defense of the EU’s interests on the international stage.
Arriving at the Élysée Palace, seat of the French Presidency, the two leaders clasped each other’s hands, and Macron continued to pat the German on the back as they climbed the steps of the building in Paris.
Despite the friendly relationship with Merkel, Macron had some points of disagreement with the German government. The main ones concern the foreign policy of the two countries. France does not look favorably on, for example, the German import of Russian gas — when it is in operation, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline will increase Europe’s dependence on fuel produced by the country of Vladimir Putin.
Paris and Berlin also often disagree on the fiscal discipline of EU member countries. In her government’s home straight, Merkel broke with a German tradition by backing an unprecedented effort that increased the European bloc’s debt to support states during the coronavirus pandemic.
As the leader of the EU’s biggest economy, Scholz has great power to influence decisions, and Macron, whose country assumes the bloc’s rotating presidency on Jan. 1, is studying ways to advance his priorities with the support of the German. To do this, he referred, for example, to the experience he had with Merkel, saying that she “taught a lot” to the “fiery president” he was at the beginning of his government.
Once again, Scholz adopted a more reserved — and negotiator — tone. “I am confident that we can solve the problems that lie ahead together and that we can continue to enable the growth we fostered with the recovery fund,” said the prime minister, alluding to the 750 billion-euro package approved by the EU for the post economic recovery. -Covid.
He also stated that the bloc will be able to restore the economy without giving up the guarantees of solid finance. “It is possible to achieve both at the same time, they are not opposites.”
Macron and Scholz agreed to express support for Ukraine — currently under threat of Russian invasion — but they also disagreed on nuclear power. While the French want to build new reactors in their country, Germany’s plans are well established. As Scholz’s coalition agreement makes no direct mention of the issue, Macron sees a loophole for possible concessions.
Asked about the topic this Friday, Scholz faltered. A journalist asked whether the prime minister would label nuclear power as a sustainable model. The answer lived up to the nickname the German received from the press, which called him “Teflon candidate”.
“It is very clear that each country follows its own strategy to combat climate change caused by man. What unites us is that we recognize this responsibility and are ambitious,” said the prime minister. “Germany has decided that it will bet on the expansion of renewable energy.”
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