"Friedrich Merz is effectively taking over the virtual seat of European power that Emmanuel Macron has occupied for years. The summit on the future of Ukraine, held on December 14 and 15 in Berlin, reinforced the German chancellor's leadership and signaled the French president's waning influence. With the momentum of being new to the position, as well as the credibility afforded by an unlimited military budget, the Christian Democrat Merz is multiplying initiatives, both within the European Union and through international diplomacy."
"At the same time, he's consolidating his position as a key interlocutor for President Donald Trump. This comes at a time of heightened hostility from the U.S. administration toward the European Union. There's also a Russian threat that, according to political and military leaders, could lead to a direct confrontation before the end of the decade. Merz will not be able to lead alone: he'll need allies."
"At home, he also faces problems that are hindering his international efforts, from the rise of the far-right which is already surpassing him in some polls to economic stagnation and divisions within his governing coalition with the Social Democrats. The contrast with Macron is significant. The French president took the helm in Europe after winning power in 2017 with visionary speeches and the audacity of his youth."
Friedrich Merz is consolidating leadership in Europe following the December summit on Ukraine in Berlin, reinforcing German influence as French influence declines. Merz leverages momentum from his new position and credibility from an unlimited military budget to launch initiatives within the EU and through international diplomacy. He has become a key interlocutor for President Donald Trump amid heightened U.S. hostility toward the EU. Political and military leaders warn of a Russian threat that could provoke direct confrontation before the decade's end. Merz will need allies while facing domestic challenges: a rising far-right, economic stagnation, and coalition divisions with the Social Democrats. Emmanuel Macron retains military and diplomatic power but confronts precarious domestic finances, uncontrolled public spending, and electoral risks while opposing certain EU trade and defense projects.
Read at english.elpais.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]