From newly appointed German chancellor Olaf Scholz made his first foreign visit. He was received in Paris by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée. The two emphasized the friendly ties between the two countries and discussed issues such as climate change, fiscal policy and tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Afterwards, they gave a press conference together.
Macron was extremely amicable. He addressed Scholz as “dear Olaf” and tutored him. He said he hoped to continue the good relationship his country had with Scholz’s predecessor Angela Merkel. Germany and France are the two largest players in the EU and sometimes work together, but they can also have strong differences of opinion.
France generates a lot of electricity via nuclear power stations and sees this as an important source of sustainable energy. Germany wants to ban nuclear energy. Scholz called it “clear that each country has its own strategy for tackling human-induced climate change”. According to the social-democratic chancellor, Germany and France at least share ambition and a sense of responsibility in the climate issue.
Growth vs. Budget Discipline
Scholz also kept a low profile in the field of EU finances. France would like less strict fiscal rules for EU countries in order to stimulate economic growth, while Germany emphasizes the importance of ‘solid finances’. Scholz: “I believe both can go together, they don’t conflict with each other.” The current budget agreements offer enough financial flexibility, says Scholz, who also referred to the corona recovery fund, which is filled with 750 billion euros.
In addition to internal EU affairs, the leaders also discussed the situation between Russia and Ukraine. Scholz said he was in favor of continuing the talks between Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France, which first took place informally in 2014 during the D-Day commemoration in Normandy.
Macron said the main aim is to avoid “unnecessary tensions”. Earlier today, the French president spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky about possibilities for new peace negotiations in eastern Ukraine.
Also the diplomatic boycott of the Winter Games in China by the US, UK, Australia and Canada was discussed. France had previously announced that it was not in favor of a boycott. Scholz said Germany wants to start talks “with many others” before making a decision.
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