The turning point for the deterioration of relations between the two countries was the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have destroyed the Franco-German alliance that lay at the center of Europe’s political architecture for decades. The Telegraph writes about this.

The publication notes that the two countries have for some time had different views on several fundamental issues – regulation of energy prices in the EU, countering unfair economic competition from China, arms purchases, and the like.

And on this “favorable” soil fell Macron’s statement that the West should not rule out sending troops to Ukraine. The German leadership was far from delighted with the words of the French leader.

French economist Jacques Renier believes that problems in relations between Paris and Berlin began with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which was a shock to Germany’s economic model.

The Telegraph adds that France’s presidential system gives the president much more power than the German system, where the chancellor is very limited to the regions and parliament. However, in Paris they believe that Scholz often only hides behind these restrictions in order to reject French proposals.

The publication also cites numerous differences in political views between the leaders themselves – Macron and Scholz. These disagreements relate in particular to nuclear energy, views on war and peace, and the like.

Macron also opposes what Paris sees as a deliberate denial of resources to Ukraine. Berlin was in no hurry to send Leopard tanks to Ukraine, and is now opposing the sending of long-range Taurus missiles.

“France and Germany were once two continental allies: their partnership has for decades maintained European unity, security and economic strength. The relationship between the two countries – and the people who lead them – is different now. With the Russian threat looming in the east, and Ukraine needs help, Macron and Scholz must find a way to work together – and quickly – for Europe,” The Telegraph concludes.

Relations between Macron and Scholz: latest news

As wrote, at the end of February Macron allowed the sending of Western troops to Ukraine. To this, Germany stated that it was categorically against sending not only its own troops to Ukraine, but also troops of any other NATO country. According to some analysts, after a series of such statements, Macron and Scholz were simply offended by each other.

An indirect confirmation of this was a later clearly demonstrative meeting of the leaders of the two countries, on the eve of which Scholz began to assure journalists that he had very good personal relations with Macron.