Merkel-Macron meeting shows the ‘Franco-German couple is still functioning’

The German leader has yet to form a governing coalition, but that delay did not stop Merkel from offering her support for her French counterpart’s proposals for Europe. “Germany and France can and should take the lead on many questions (related to Europe) and I understand that France is waiting until we have a new government”, said Merkel at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. “On a broad basis, there is absolutely no difference that I see. It is a Europe that must have a common foreign policy on strategic questions, a Europe that must create its own development policies, a Europe of defence, and it is a Europe that has to be economically strong”, she added. Merkel’s visit coincides with the 55th anniversary of the Élysée Treaty establishing friendly relations between France and Germany. The French and German lower houses of parliament are slated to pass a resolution on Monday outlining prospective elements for a new treaty and reinforcing cooperation between the countries’ parliaments.