“The epitome of austerity”, “cantor of austerity”, “staunch supporter of fiscal orthodoxy” - not everything was flattering what the French press wrote about the new German finance minister in recent days.
His French counterpart Bruno Le Maire did not let it be known on Monday evening whether similar worries were creeping up on him.
He received Christian Lindner (FDP) in his ministry in the Bercy district of Paris in an emphatically friendly manner.
Niklas Záboji
Business correspondent in Paris
Follow I follow
"Christian, welcome to Paris, welcome to France," said Le Maire in the presence of the press and thanked Lindner for his visit, first in German, then in French, then in English. As usual, he emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two countries. But Le Maire insisted on formulating his expectations of his “friend and colleague” Christian.
The finance ministers from Berlin and Paris in the form of Olaf Scholz (SPD) and himself, Le Maire, had cooperated “excellently” in the Corona crisis.
The economic upswing of the past few months is also based on this.
And he does hope that this close relationship will continue, said the French.
After all, there is no shortage of cross-border risks for economic development, such as the tense pandemic situation, the supply and material bottlenecks and the increased inflation.
"Maastricht has shown its flexibility"
Then it was Lindner's turn, and he too was emphatically amicable. He greeted Le Maire with a “bonsoir” and called him “mon cher ami Bruno”. Lindner tried to nip in the bud any doubts that an FDP-led finance ministry would cooperate less closely with Paris. "The new German government will continue to work closely with the French government," he clarified. The tandem of the two countries will remain essential for the further development of the European Union and that of the European Monetary Union.
Differences in content were not carried out at this first meeting, at least not publicly. When asked how Germany is doing with the debt and budget discipline, Lindner announced: “Germany will return to the debt brake in 2023”. Only Le Maire, who praised this step, briefly discussed the controversial reallocation of 60 billion euros from the Corona reserve to a secondary budget.
With regard to the European debt rules, Lindner is open to a discussion about how fiscal policy stability and investments in climate protection can be reconciled.
That is "not easy", but possible in close coordination between the European partners - especially since the coincidence of the French EU Council Presidency and the German G7 Presidency will open a "window of opportunity" in the coming year, namely "for progress", said Lindner .
But it is also clear: "Maastricht has shown its flexibility".
"That remains a wide field"
The topic is not yet on the agenda, as this year the rules for a maximum of 3 percent budget deficit and a maximum of 60 percent debt level based on economic output will also be suspended next year. This was referred to by Le Maire, who like President Emmanuel Macron only last week pleaded for reform. “We are in no hurry,” he said, “you could take your time to get the position of all member states and then look for a compromise”. In any case, a lot of growth is the best way to reduce debt.
Rather, a decision on nuclear power is urgent, which Paris is determined to classify as a sustainable energy source at European level. On Monday evening, however, Lindner did not allow itself to be lured out of reserve. This is a "difficult subject," he said. Talks are currently being held and he is sure that they will lead to success. Le Maire, on the other hand, agreed with Fontane: “That remains a wide field” - which will be discussed over dessert at a later hour.
According to reports, tartlets followed by a cheese platter were on the program, accompanied by red wine from Burgundy.
The starter was scallops and the main course was poultry from the French farm.
The ministers did not agree on all disputes, according to participants.
But they have come astonishingly closer on many points.