FOCUS – Steinmeier & Macron: If Germany and France are not together, Europe cannot move forward

PARIS, 8 October /ATSH-DPA/ – German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has reaffirmed that Germany will continue to play a key role in Europe, despite the recent election results in which the far-right party “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) won in two states.

After meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, Steinmeier stated that the Germans will continue to be committed Europeans, regardless of economic and political changes, and particularly changes in security policy.

He stressed that Germany can only be successful as a European country, closely integrated into the European Union.

President Macron also underlined the importance of Franco-German cooperation for the future of Europe.

According to him, if Germany and France do not move forward together, Europe cannot move forward.

He stressed that cooperation between the two countries is important for strengthening democracies at a time when conspiracy theories and scepticism are gaining ground.

The two presidents met as part of a visit that could also be considered a double farewell visit, as both are expected to leave office next year.

Steinmeier said the situation is difficult for both countries.

His visit to France coincided with a wave of school student protests across the country.

According to him, societies are becoming increasingly polarised and radical forces are growing stronger, making it harder to form and run governments.

He added that reforms have also become more difficult, in a comment that appeared to refer to the German government.

The government of Chancellor Friedrich Merz is trying to pass a broad package of reforms in the fields of taxation, the labour market and pensions, with the aim of boosting the German economy, which is facing a weakening pace of growth./ /Ad.Ab./ a.jor.