Increasingly visible differences are emerging between France and Germany over the situation in Ukraine. For Camille Grand, researcher at the European Council on International Relations, “there is undoubtedly also a desire to treat public opinions in different ways.”
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Emmanuel Macron judged on Tuesday March 5, while traveling in the Czech Republic, “necessary” to shake up Ukraine’s allies, whom he urged to “don’t be cowardly” facing Russia “unstoppable”ensuring “to assume” his controversial comments on the possibility of sending Western troops to this country at war. Camille Grand former Deputy Secretary General of NATO, researcher at the European Council on International Relations (ECFR)believes that the President of the Republic with these remarks aims “first the other European countries by calling for a strategic start”but also Vladimir Putin to tell him “You believe that strategic patience is on your side, we are capable of going further if necessary.”
Apparent tensions between France and Germany
Statements from the President of the Republic which are very little appreciated by German leaders. We don’t need (…) discussions about having more or less courage.” reacted German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. “It doesn’t really help solve the problems” of Ukraine.
“Germany is doing more for Ukraine and is today the second largest supporter in terms of military delivery,” assures Camille Grand, we cannot say that Germany does nothing while France does everything.” There is undoubtedly also a desire to treat public opinion in a different way. “Where Emmanuel Macron wants a reawakening of European public opinion, Olaf Scholz is more cautious and does not want to worry German public opinion.”
