Analysts warn that the success of the far-right National Rally could call into question relations between Paris and Berlin and complicate the agenda of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Los results of the french legislative elections they could have a significant impact in Germany. Analysts have suggested that Berlin’s influence over the EU will be reduced following the first place finish by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally in the first round of early elections.
Cornelia Woll, president of the Hertie School in Berlin, said that if the National Rally achieved a majority in Parliament, the work of the german chancellor, Olaf Scholzit would becomes more difficult.
Woll told Euronews that “the Franco-German relationship is based on close contacts at various ministerial levels.” A majority of the National Group would alter this dynamic due to its “explicitly anti-German stance”, so much work will have to be done to “normalize relations between France and Germany”.
Germany considers France are most important and closest partner in Europe. The chancellor Scholz recently expressed his worry for the elections, declaring his preference for “any party without Le Pen”but recognizing that the decision corresponds to the French people.
Fear of a Eurosceptic government in France among the German political class
German media focuses on the risks and losses for French President Emmanuel Macron. A prominent member of Scholz’s party stated that Germany may have to prepare for Le Pen as future president.
Matthias Diermeier, a political economist at the German Economic Institute, suggested that Germany would have difficulties in undertaking significant EU projects if the National Group is successful. Diermeier told ‘Euronews’ that German politicians have “very afraid of a eurosceptic government in France“, especially for Jordan Bardella’s questioning regarding the Energy Union and the fiscal conservatism of the Growth and Stability Pact.
Woll also stated that if the National Rally obtains a majority, France could move away from Germany y get closer to italy, “where it is easier to build bridges.” The analyst also doubted that the historically difficult Franco-German working relationship was sufficient to bridge the political gap.
