Saturday University: Germany and France

Friends in good times, but also in bad times? Europe is experiencing a Gaullist moment, and it depends on the governments in Berlin and Paris whether they seize it. Charles de Gaulle, the founder of the French Republic, was the first to recognize that the future of the European continent lies in its political autonomy. He warned early on that the American ally would one day redefine its interests and that Europe would have to prepare itself for this eventuality. For the first time since 1945, Europe must realize that it is on its own in the face of an imperialist, aggressive Russia and an America that spontaneously wants nothing good for the EU. In this mixed situation, Germany and France are more important than ever. What is the state of Franco-German relations? President Emmanuel Macron is running out of time for his plans for European sovereignty, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is finding it difficult to sever his close ties with Washington. Is the Franco-German rift paving the way for a national backlash and electoral success for the right-wing populists in France next year?

Course number: 261100439