what to expect from relations between Olaf Scholz and France?

With the new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, “we must expect reforms but no rupture”, first announces the journalist Laurent Desbonnets, in duplex from Berlin (Germany) on Wednesday 8 December. “Olaf Scholz, 63, is a reassuring personality, long known to the Germans, and the French will have the opportunity very quickly to find out, since he reserves his first official trip to Paris as chancellor on Friday”, continues the journalist.

Olaf Scholz is also taking office “with a commitment to European sovereignty”, a concept which is “one of France’s priorities for the next presidential election”, recalls Laurent Desbonnets. One point could pose a problem, however. “This is Olaf Scholz’s renewed commitment to fiscal discipline.” The Chancellor wants to return to zero deficit within two years. The relationship between France and Germany should therefore be “very pragmatic, as was the case with Angela Merkel”, concludes the journalist.