Global Disputes - Focusing on Major Worldwide Conflicts and Issues - Laschet takes issue with Scholz's aloof attitude toward Macron.
Armin Laschet, the previous Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia and CDU/CSU candidate for chancellorship in 2021, has voiced his concerns about the low-key relationship between Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron. According to Laschet, the lack of passion and deep friendship between the two leaders is evident. He also points out that the connection between Scholz and Macron isn't excusable due to Scholz's Hamburg origins, as former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt had a close bond with Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, another French president of the 1970s, despite both being from Hamburg.
Laschet further emphasizes that the friendly and cooperative connection between Helmut Kohl and François Mitterrand during their time in power had vital impacts on Europe, even though they came from different political camps. Angela Merkel, who served as chancellor alongside three French presidents, always understood the significance of a strong alliance between France and Germany in diplomatic matters. "I'd say we need more understanding and passion from the Federal Chancellor in these relationships," said Laschet.
Additionally, Laschet believed that Scholz and Macron's individual trips to Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before the Russian invasion of Ukraine did not foster unity within European politics. Laschet was awarded the National Order of the French Legion of Honor in 2023, recognizing his commitment to the German-French relationship.
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- Despite Laschet's criticisms, the current Head of state, Olaf Scholz, has maintained a relatively cold stance towards French President Emmanuel Macron, a situation that WDR, a major German broadcaster, has reported on extensively.
- Helmut Schmidt, a former German Chancellor, had a strong bond with French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, a connection that Laschet believes Scholz's Hamburg origins should not inhibit.
- In a recent interview, Armin Laschet, the CDU/CSU's Candidate for chancellor in 2021, expressed his worry about the strained relations between Scholz and Macron, calling for more passion and understanding from the Federal Chancellor.
- The relationship between Frank- Walter Steinmeier, the current Federal President of Germany, and Emmanuel Macron has also been a subject of interest in international political circles, with some observers noting a stronger bond between the two leaders than Scholz and Macron.
- The upcoming French elections in 2027 are expected to impact the dynamics between the leaders of France and Germany, with the CDU/CSU and the Social Democrats (SPD) both vying to play a prominent role in European politics.
- Armin Laschet's commitment to the German-French relationship was recognized when he was awarded the National Order of the French Legion of Honor in 2023, an honor that highlights the importance of the relationship between the two nations.
- The CSU, a Bavarian regional party affiliated with the CDU, has traditionally had strong political ties with France, reflecting the interconnected history between Germany and France, especially in the post-war era.
- The CDU and CSU, together with the Free Democratic Party (FDP), form the current Federal Government in Germany, a coalition that has been instrumental in shaping Germany's foreign policy and its relationship with France and other European nations.
Source: www.stern.de
