A Warm Welcome in Paris, but a Frosty Reception in Warsaw: Merz's First Chancellorship Tour - The Dichotomy of Embraces
Restart of First Chancellor's Journey in Paris Sparks Protests in Warsaw - Diplomatic visit by the First Chancellor inaugurates a new chapter in Paris-Troubles brewing in Warsaw
A heartfelt meeting in Paris and a tense discussion on border control in Warsaw: The initial foreign visits of Germany's newly appointed Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, to Poland and France have presented a stark contrast. During his unprecedented meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, Merz proposed revitalizing relations with a fresh dialogue format and a joint work program, aiming at a stronger Europe.
However, Merz's propositions for expanding border controls and the return of asylum seekers were met with significant resistance from the Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk. "Germany will accept anyone they wish. Poland will only allow entry to those we deem acceptable," Tusk proclaimed at a press conference with Merz.
Tusk dismisses tightened border controls
The Poland prime minister also dismissed Merz's proposal to tighten controls at the German-Polish border, expressing doubts on its longevity. "If Germany enforces controls at its border, Poland will do the same. It simply makes no practical sense in the long run."
Merz pledges support for EU border security
Merz, in turn, demonstrated resolve in securing the EU's external borders, expressing confidence that they would find fitting solutions to the issue. He also advocated for a united European approach to combat unlawful migration.
Previously, he had announced return policies at the borders upon taking office. The coalition agreement emphasized that such measures should be coordinated with neighboring countries, such as Poland. But, with Poland in the midst of the presidential election campaign, the country currently stands opposed to Merz's plans.
Macron talks of resurging the "German-French reflex"
Just 17 hours after his nail-biting election victory and swearing-in ceremony, Merz embarked on his first foreign tour, heading towards Paris. En route, he spoke of rekindling the relationship between the two countries, speaking of a "restart" with both nations.
While the interactions in Paris were warm and cordial, discussions between Merz and Macron's predecessor, Olaf Scholz (SPD), had not always gone smoothly - be it in Parisian establishments or at the fish roll stand in Hamburg. Merz, known as a Francophile, seeks to mend this rift. Prior to his ascension as Chancellor, Merz had already met Macron on numerous occasions. This is evident in the press conference, as their understanding shone through.
While Scholz and even former Chancellor Angela Merkel allowed Macron's initiatives for sovereignty, as presented in a much-discussed speech at the Sorbonne University in Paris in 2017, to falter, Merz intends to associate himself with the French President in this regard. A case in point is the joint European nuclear deterrent based on French nuclear weapons. Scholz expressed a lack of interest in this matter. Merz now seeks to discuss it.
"I see the necessity for us to discuss with France and also with the UK on how we can continue to provide a joint future response to deterrence," explained the CDU politician. His intentions were clear: this proposal was meant as a supplement to the American nuclear umbrella. During the press conference, Macron spoke of hastening the German-French armament programs and frequent consultations of the German-French Defense and Security Council.
Merz exercises caution regarding a possible German contribution to securing a Ukraine ceasefire. "Before there exists an enduring ceasefire and such an agreement with Russia, we cannot specify the scope of security guarantees we can offer Ukraine, because we simply do not know the conditions," stated the CDU leader. For his part, France, along with the UK, had already expressed a willingness to dispatch troops to Ukraine to support a peace agreement with coalition partners.
Foreign Minister Wadephul's diplomatic visits to Paris and Warsaw
Chancellor Olaf Scholz was accompanied by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) to Paris and Warsaw - a symbolic gesture highlighting the claim to a comprehensive new foreign policy. This is a departure from the previous arrangement, especially in terms of Ukraine policy, during the tenure of the traffic light government. For the first time since nearly six decades, the Chancellor and Foreign Minister now belong to the same party. Since the 1960s, it has been traditional for chief diplomats to be provided by smaller coalition partners.
- Paris
- Warsaw
- Friedrich Merz
- Anger
- Emmanuel Macron
- France
- Chancellor's Tour
- Poland
- CDU
- Donald Tusk
- Olaf Scholz
- Leader
- Europe
- Border control
- Migration policy
- EU
- Hug
- Germany
- Ukraine
- Election campaign
- Friedrich Merz, the newly appointed Chancellor of Germany, met with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where they discussed strengthening relations and revitalizing dialogue, aiming for a more robust European Union.
- Conversely, Merz faced resistance from Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, when proposing stricter border controls and return policies for asylum seekers during a visit to Warsaw.
- Tusk suggested that such measures would be impractical in the long run, hinting at a potential disagreement between the two countries on migration policy.
- Merz, however, emphasized his commitment to securing the EU's external borders and advocated for harmonious European approaches to combat unlawful migration.
- Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, also a member of the CDU, accompanied Chancellor Merz on his tour to Poland and France, a symbolic gesture indicating a unified foreign policy approach under the new government.
