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Contradictions between Merz and Macron are intensifying in Europe

Tension is increasing between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. This is reported by the German publication Der Spiegel, noting that the disagreements between the leaders are growing at a particularly difficult moment for Europe, when it faces practically existential challenges.

Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron. Photo: AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, Pool

One of the reasons for the new conflict was Macron's statement about the expediency of a possible conversation with Vladimir Putin. Berlin did not comment on this initiative, and, as the publication suggests, it was not agreed upon with Merz. Therefore, the German Chancellor apparently chose a tactic of silence to prevent an open conflict between Germany and France.

EU partners, including Germany, met the French president's proposal quite reservedly, while the Kremlin received the idea of dialogue with enthusiasm and announced Putin's readiness for negotiations.

Der Spiegel notes that this case is just one in a series of disagreements between Paris and Berlin, which are becoming increasingly difficult to hide. The tandem of Macron and Merz, initially seen as the basis for European unity, is gradually falling apart.

The authors of the material emphasize that both leaders are weakened by internal political problems in their countries and therefore seek to strengthen their authority on the international arena. Both Macron and Merz claim the role of the main representative of the EU in relations with global players such as the USA, Russia, and China. However, at a time when Ukraine and all of Europe face serious challenges, the continent's main duo increasingly diverge in their views.

Earlier, the Financial Times also wrote about the conflict between the two leaders, claiming that Macron had effectively "betrayed" Merz. One of the key stumbling blocks was the issue of using frozen Russian assets. While Merz advocated for allocating about 210 billion euros to help Ukraine, Macron ultimately supported the position of Belgium and Italy, who oppose such a decision.

Comments3

  • wb
    24.12.2025
    M&M's
  • Miko
    24.12.2025
    А вось гэта самае дрэннае, што можа быць. Адзінае, што выратуе ЕС і НАТА, гэта еднасць. І еднасць менавіта Францыі і Германіі. Бо Італія і Гішпанія не маюць зацікаўленасці ў абароне Украіны і патэнцыйным супрацьстаянні з Расіяй.
  • бабруйчанін
    24.12.2025
    Ну як - учорашняга майго каментара аб Эмануэлі ?
    У кіне Эмануэль рашучая здольная годная вартая ..
    Рэальны толькі " міраж" Ні здзіўляе )) 85 год таму падобныя здаліся іньшыя ваявалі за нацыстаў ці камуністы
    Пасля вызвалення " саюзнікамі" Францыі рашуча здольныя толькі з бардэлей дзевак галіць зневажаць Бардэлі у якіх самі гарсон і працавалі

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