Chillin' in Paris, buttons pressed in Warsaw: Merz's mission - A fresh start in Paris, tension in Warsaw
Visiting Chancellor Kicks Off Renewal in Paris - Frustration in Warsaw - Paris welcomes Initial Chancellor, signifying a fresh start - Warsaw encounters turmoil
Hey there! Let's dive into Merz's inaugural trips to Paris and Warsaw, where politics, friendships, and tempers were all on the table.
In the City of Lights, Merz and French President Macron seemed to hit it off, exchanging warm embraces and hearty pats on the back. The two Gentlemen embarked on a plan to revitalize relationships between the two nations, aiming for a beefed-up dialogue and a work program to strengthen Europe as a whole. This was a welcome change from the rocky relationship between Macron and Merz's predecessor, Scholz.
On the other hand, Merz received a frosty welcome in Warsaw. Prime Minister Tusk took umbrage at Merz's proposals for beefed-up border controls and returning asylum seekers. Tusk doesn't see the point in intensified border controls and flat-out rejected the idea of stricter measures at the Polish-German border.
But Merz didn't give up hope. He assured Poland that they'd stand together to secure the external borders of the EU and find common solutions to limit illegal migration. Merz had, after all, pledged to enforce deportations at the borders from the first day of his government, as per his election promises. However, Poland, smack-dab in the heat of the presidential election campaign, isn't exactly onboard with his ideas.
As for Ukraine, the CDU leader was tight-lipped when asked about a potential German contribution to securing a ceasefire. "A lasting ceasefire and an agreement with Russia haven't been reached yet, so we can't discuss what kind of security guarantees we can offer Ukraine at this point," Merz explained. Nonetheless, France and the UK had previous signals that they're ready to deploy troops to Ukraine to secure a peace agreement, with Merz's nod of support.
Taking Foreign Minister Wadephul along for the ride during his trips showed the new government's integrated foreign policy approach - quite a departure from the past, when the top diplomats were typically appointed from the smaller coalition partners. This marked the first time in nearly 60 years that both the Chancellor and the Foreign Minister hailed from the same party!
Now, let's talk about Merz's migration policy real quick. Since taking office in 2025, Merz's made his stance on migration crystal clear. He's focused on beefing up border controls to keep irregular migration in check. In fact, he revoked the previous 2015 instruction that allowed undocumented immigrants to enter Germany and seek asylum on humanitarian grounds. Merz's administration insists that asylum seekers should apply for protection in the first EU country they enter and not make a beeline to Germany. The reforms also include streamlining the asylum process and stepping up deportations of rejected asylum seekers and violent offenders.
Poland, known for its anti-immigrant views, is on board with Merz's policy mess, while France, which has a more mixed response, balances border control with humanitarian considerations. So, Merz's tough-love approach is slightly more palatable in Poland, but in France it faces criticism from the liberal factions, even as some conservatives throw their support behind the beefed-up controls.
And there you have it! A whirlwind tour of Merz's initial visits to Paris and Warsaw, complete with some tough talk, warm embraces, and even a little dance around EU migration policy. Stay tuned for more updates from Merz's corner!
-Migrations in Europe-Merz's Tough Stance-France's Mixed Reaction-Poland's Support-Border Control vs. Humanitarian Concerns
Despite the harmonious start of Merz's tenure in Paris with the French President, the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission, tensions arose in Warsaw as Prime Minister Tusk expressed disagreement with Merz's proposals on migration policy. Friedrich Merz assured Poland, a supporter of his migration stance, that they would stand together to secure the EU's external borders and find solutions to limit illegal migration.
Meanwhile, regarding Ukraine, Merz remained ambiguous about offering any military support for a ceasefire. The German Chancellor and Foreign Minister, both from the CDU, displayed an integrated foreign policy approach during their overseas visits.
In his efforts to combat illegal migration, Merz revoked the 2015 instruction on undocumented immigrants seeking asylum in Germany and proposed stricter border controls. Poland generally supported Merz's migration policy, while France maintained a more nuanced balance between border control and humanitarian concerns.
Following his series of international visits, Merz's tough stance on migration, along with France's mixed reactions and Poland's support, becomes a key aspect of general-news discussions on EU migration policy.
