For Bruno Le Maire, there is an urgent need to build compromises with Germany

2023-09-13 05:14:00

He defines himself as the most German French minister. Bruno Le Maire hopes that this specificity will help him to warm up Franco-German relations and convince our European neighbor to build new alliances with Paris.

For the Minister of the Economy, the moment is welcome. Far from rejoicing at the breakdown that the German economy is experiencing when that of France is resisting – ” it’s not good news, it’s our first business partner », he recalls. Bruno Le Maire is convinced that this constitutes an opportunity.

The French economy might verge on stagnation in the fall, according to the Banque de France

While Germany enters into recession, and discovers, demoralized, the fragilities of its industrial model. Berlin has every interest in rethinking its economic link with Paris. “Even if we have differences, conflict between our two countries is not an option” assures, in substance, the Minister of the Economy.

Go beyond disagreements

The strategic approaches between the two countries diverge, however, on many points. The first of these is undoubtedly energy. For many months, Paris and Berlin have been divided over the role of nuclear power in the future reform of the European electricity market. Bruno Le Maire defends tooth and nail the choice of nuclear power. And has often, in recent weeks, warned the Germans that “It’s a red line that should not be crossed”.

Another subject of contention, the reform of budgetary rules, and the future stability pact. Paris would like Berlin to be more cooperative. However, this Thursday, the tenant of Bercy intends to call on Germany to embark on more in-depth partnerships with France. The only way, according to him, to weigh once morest China and the United States.

Towards new industrial partnerships

Green hydrogen, heat pumps, semiconductors, wind turbines, space, armaments, electric batteries, and even automobiles… the projects on which France wants to consider joint investments with Germany are numerous.

“We must avoid doing like in the 90s, where everyone had their own innovation in their own lane… look at digital… Europe has not succeeded in pushing a giant into this sector “, still pleads the minister’s entourage.

Also, for Paris, it is appropriate to influence together the Commission’s decisions to protect our European industry, whether on standards, customs duties, etc. No more free trade, there is an urgent need to better defend our products and our industries. And to completely rethink, together, our European model.

It remains to be seen what reception Germany will give to these proposals.

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