merkel Voices Disagreement with Macron’s Day of German Unity Address
Saarbrücken, Germany – Former German Chancellor angela Merkel has reportedly expressed reservations regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation to address the central Day of German Unity celebrations in Saarbrücken, according to sources familiar with the matter. The disagreement centers on Macron’s focus on European defence capabilities and a perceived questioning of the transatlantic relationship during his speech.
Macron, speaking on October 3rd - the 33rd anniversary of German reunification – called for a more self-reliant european defense posture, stating the moment of recovery had come. he emphasized the need for Europe to “decide to no longer be dependent…to not only buy but also produce,” referencing projects like the Franco-German fighter jet FCAS, currently facing internal challenges. He further suggested Europe must choose between remaining a “vassal” or becoming a “military power,” not to wage war, but to deter aggression.
The Day of German Unity marks the 1990 reunification of East and West Germany, achieved under the West German Basic Law following the peaceful revolution in the GDR and the opening of the German-German border. Celebrations, organized by the state of Saarland as the current Federal Council presidency, included a citizens’ festival, art, music, and discussions under the mottos “future through change” and “celebrate what connects us.”
Recent surveys indicate a degree of disillusionment with the state of German unity. A YouGov poll found 30 percent of respondents believe East and West Germans are more divided than united, while a ZDF “polite barometer” revealed 47 percent in the West and 57 percent in the East feel reunification’s problems remain largely unsolved. Despite this, an ARD “Germany trend” showed 61 percent are satisfied with the state of German unity.