In Berlin, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz begin the difficult "relaunch" of the Franco-German couple

Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron conspicuously dispensed with translation on Wednesday, July 23, at the Villa Borsig in Berlin, on the banks of Lake Tegel, for the French president's first visit to Germany since the chancellor took office on May 6. The two leaders were keen to show that each fully understood the other's language, a sign of a Franco-German revival after years of mutual incomprehension. Friedrich Merz was also careful not to repeat the culinary adventurism of his predecessor: on the dinner menu, there was no " fischbrötchen, " the famous marinated fish sandwich proposed by former chancellor Olaf Scholz during the failed Franco-German summit in Hamburg in 2023, but a more delicate saddle of veal with chanterelles.

Beyond the friendly gestures, will the Chancellor and the President be able to deliver responses that match the ambitions they have set for themselves? The evening did not allow us to say. "The relationship seems to be back on a better footing, which is to be welcomed. But obviously, the areas of contention have not disappeared," noted Stefan Seidendorf, Deputy Director of the Franco-German Institute in Ludwigsburg.

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