An alleged rift between French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz could lead to the collapse of the European Union as both countries are the driving force of the bloc, according to GB News.
According to French economist Jacques Regniez, the deterioration of relations began with the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, with the conflict being a shock to the German economic model.
“When the Germans get angsty, their reaction is to immediately focus on their own interests first.”
Jeanette SÜẞ, a researcher at the French Institute of International Relations, stated that Macron and Scholz, whose coalition came to power shortly before the war broke out, often quarrelled over their opposing views.
“This… is symptomatic of deep flaws in the Franco-German relationship, even, if visibly, there is still a desire to work together, and to strengthen ties.”
A French source in Brussels warned that the tensions between the two leaders came at the worst possible time, as EU unity was crucial not only for Ukraine’s future but also for the entire Europe.
“If France and Germany cannot agree on aid to Ukraine, it will be catastrophic. Macron and Scholz have never been able to tame each other, but they need to send a positive message to the rest of Europe and overcome their personal difficulties.”
Nathalie Vogel, a German academic, Russia expert and research fellow at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, stated that “actual hate between them [Macron and Scholz]” arose because they “have been malfunctioning from the start.”
