Macron and Scholz: Farewell dinner for Franco-German friendship

Macron and Scholz: Farewell dinner for Franco-German friendship

Elysée-Palast, 75008 Paris, Frankreich - On April 30, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron received the outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the Elysée Palace. This meeting had the goal of appreciating the four -year cooperation between Germany and France, which was under the motto of a stronger, more independent and sovereign European Union. Accompanied by their wives, Brigitte Macron and Britta Ernst, the two top politicians took part in a dinner, whereby no press was intended. The meeting underlines the close relationship and the importance of Franco-German friendship in a time short uncertainties.

Scholz 'term was not without tensions that occurred in Franco-German relationships. With the upcoming change of government, since the new federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) will be sworn in next Tuesday, a restart in relationships with France is expected. Merz, who is considered a Francophile, has already completed several meetings with Macron. The first official meeting between the two is seen as a way to consolidate and deepen the relationships.

overview of political changes in Germany

The last meeting of Scholz 'business -compatible cabinet in Berlin took place on the day before the meeting, which among other things a pension increase was decided by 3.74 percent. There were reports of shaking hands and hugs, but no emotional farewell mood. Scholz looked happy and solved, and the session only lasted 15 to 20 minutes. In contrast to his predecessor Angela Merkel, who had an emotional end of her term, the farewell to Scholz was far more sober.

The new Chancellor Friedrich Merz will involve the SPD as a junior partner in its government. Vice -Chancellor Robert Habeck (Greens) was missing at the last cabinet meeting, while other ministers like Boris Pistorius are planned in the new government. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock becomes President of the UN General Assembly in New York, and Minister of Agriculture and Education Cem Özdemir has ambitions to the office of head of government in Baden-Württemberg.

Franco-German relationships in change

In view of the ongoing political changes in Germany and the associated challenges, it can be seen that relationships between Germany and France are tense. This has not been unnoticed because the election campaign in Germany is of little interest for the French. A survey by the German Embassy in Paris illustrates that despite growing problems in German industry, the French have a predominantly positive picture of the German economy. However, political scientists emphasize that trust in German ability to act and cooperation remains unbroken.

The security policy cooperation between the two countries has intensified to Ukraine since the Russian attack war. The Franco-German Defense and Security Council (DFVSR) forms a framework for the exchange on security issues and shows the importance of common efforts in times of crisis. Annual bilateral consultations deepen cooperation in various areas and contain important topics such as climate protection and digitization. It remains to be seen how the new government in Germany will continue to shape this partnership.

For more information about the Franco-German cooperation, visit the pages of , Tagesschau and .