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Global ResearchMar 22
Macron Arrives in Germany on State Visit
Above: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron shake hands after speaking to the media following talks at Schloss Bellevue palace on May 26, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
French Pres. Emmanuel Macron on Sunday began a three-day state visit to Germany — the first by a French head of state in 24 years — ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections.
After landing in Berlin, Macron rejected claims that French-German ties were eroding and described the bilateral relations as "indispensable and important for Europe."
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Macron's state visit comes at the right time to underline the strength of Franco-German ties despite sometimes differing political views. Europe is not only facing internal threats from the rise of far-right parties but also global geopolitical shifts from the rise of autocratic regimes. However, Europe has the potential to emerge from these challenges stronger and more resilient if the electorate opts for the right political course to defend its values.
Establishment-critical narrative
Macron's visit is meant to demonstrate alleged unity between the two major European countries. However, while Scholz and Macron project Europe's problems onto the far right, the electorate feels that their policies are increasingly detached from people's real concerns. Voters are not primarily concerned about European policy or the Ukraine war but about national security and migration issues and are likely to express their discontent in the European elections.