Macron "impatient" at the lack of German response to European challenges

French President Emmanuel Macron at the 56th Munich Security Conference. CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP

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At the 56th Munich security conference this Saturday, February 15, Emmanuel Macron said he was "impatient" at the lack of German reaction on Europe and its plans for EU reforms.

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" I am not frustrated, I am impatient, " said the French president at the Munich security conference , calling for " clear answers " from the Franco-German couple and its partners on the European challenges, faced with the American downturn and the development of China.

We need to build, in coherence with NATO ...

Emmanuel Macron

During his speech this Saturday, February 15, Emmanuel Macron said that the key in the coming years is to " go much faster on the elements of sovereignty at European level ", such as defense. He wishes to give a new dynamic to the European adventure in the face of the growing skepticism of opinions.

The Franco-German couple awaiting answers

Between Germany and France, " we have a history of waiting for answers " that do not come on European projects, regretted the French president, referring to proposals in the past from German politicians to relaunch the project of European construction, to which France had not responded either.

Today, France often complains of the little reaction of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Emmanuel Macron's proposals to make the European Union a " powerful " and sovereign Europe .

Relations between the French head of state and the chancellor have deteriorated in recent months. Angela Merkel, at the end of her mandate, is little tempted by major initiatives in this area, while Paris would like Germany to get more involved in European defense.

The Franco-German couple also disagrees with regard to public spending: Emmanuel Macron pleads for an increase in this spending while Germany defends budgetary rigor.

( with AFP )

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  • Emmanuel Macron
  • Angela Merkel
  • Diplomacy
  • European Union

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