Munich security conference: tough summit for Merkel

Text by: RFI Follow

The 56th Munich Security Conference closed on Sunday, February 16, 2020. Much criticism has been leveled at Germany and Angela Merkel, particularly regarding her lack of involvement in international affairs.

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With our correspondent in Germany, Pascal Thibaut

The "decline of the West". This is how we could sum up the title of the 2020 edition of the Munich security conference which ended on Sunday 16 February. For Germany, an inviting power, we could also speak of the “ chancellor's twilight ” . The criticisms of many partners against a country that promises more commitments on the international scene without acting sufficiently were perceptible this weekend.

As illustrated by the statements of Emmanuel Macron, present for the first time since his election, or those of a potential successor to the Chancellor, Angela Merkel was not spared.

" Impatience "

Angela Merkel seated in an armchair far too big for her and Emmanuel Macron struggles, without much success, to push towards a sign on which one could read " European security policy " ... This drawing, published in the press this Monday morning summarizes " the impatience " of which Emmanuel Macron spoke on Saturday, February 15.

He would like Germany to support him more frankly in the implementation of his proposals for Europe. Other partners got angry about Berlin's promises for a more resolute international engagement, but which remain an empty letter.

" After Merkel "

For its part, Paris seems to no longer expect much from the current German government. " Macron is preparing for the post-Merkel, " headlined a German daily Sunday. The head of state met extensively with environmental leaders and parliamentarians from the Bundestag, the lower house of the German parliament, as well as the head of the Bavarian conservatives.

This was # MSC2020! 📸✨

Thank you for following our events and discussions! For more impressions from the conference and to re-watch the debates, visit our media library: https://t.co/K8khK4zBJ2 pic.twitter.com/LoOBAe1yr5

Within the Chancellor's party, the contenders for his succession also distance themselves. One of the favorites, Armin Laschet , president of North Rhine-Westphalia and tenor of the CDU, criticized Sunday the lack of courage, dynamics and speed of the German government to react to the French proposals.

►Conference on security: Macron's speech does not convince Berlin

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