Macron and Scholz often clashed, and their opposing views and styles made them dangerous allies.
Franco-German relations, which have long been a driving force in the EU, are at a low ebb, writes The Telegraph. Analysts believe this is due to the outbreak of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the shock to the system it meant for the German economic model.
Macron’s remarks
The publication wrote that Macron “caused chaos” across the European Union when last month he announced the idea of sending European troops to Ukraine. This proposal prompted a public response from Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who unequivocally said: “There are no ground troops, no soldiers on Ukrainian soil sent there by European countries or NATO countries.”
The article said that three weeks ago, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius appeared to have “swallowed a lemon” when told of Macron’s call for Ukraine’s allies to “not be cowards”, in an apparent referring to Germany.
The publication wrote that the failed relations between the two countries can also be explained by the difficult relationship between the two people who lead them. Macron and Scholz often clashed, and their opposing views and styles made them dangerous allies.
The tensions between the two leaders may come at the worst possible time: a strong relationship between Macron and Scholz is important not only for the future of Ukraine, but for the whole of Europe.
A French source in Brussels warned that “if France and Germany do not agree on aid to Ukraine, it will be a disaster.”
“Macron and Scholz have never managed to tame each other, but they need to send a positive message to the rest of Europe and overcome their personal difficulties,” he said.
Can Tusk help?
In recent months, Paris and Berlin, writes Politico, have clashed over their strategies toward Ukraine, while Ukraine’s Armed Forces at the forefront bear the brunt of Western skepticism and misgivings about American conservatives about continued military aid.
Macron’s rhetoric has become increasingly hawkish, with comments on the prospect of sending Western troops to Ukraine and saying Europe should not act like a coward in the face of Russian aggression.
Germany has accused Paris of talking a lot but spending less to help Kyiv than its allies. France, Politico notes, vehemently denies this claim.
Scholz also faced criticism for refusing to send German Taurus missiles to Ukraine when Britain and France had already sent their similar long-range Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles.
One of those drawn to mediate between Macron and Scholz is Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Dispute over aid to Ukraine
Politico writes that German officials have privately complained that despite Macron’s strong rhetoric on Ukraine, he has not given it the same military support as Germany.
Germany’s Kiel Institute, which collects data on countries’ contributions to the Ukraine war effort, lists France as a clear underdog with 640 million euros in military aid, compared to Germany, which has given or promised 17.7 billion euros.
France disputes these numbers and notes that it is providing weapons that are “really important.”
“Pay France for operational excellence in its military aid to Ukraine: promise what you can give, give what you can promise,” the country’s Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu said in a note to X.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.