| Author (Corporate) | Deutsche Welle |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Article |
| Series Details | 1.5.08 |
| Publication Date | 01/05/2008 |
| Content Type | News |
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Sarkozy and Merkel speak of harmony Nicolas Sarkozy has a lot more affection for Angela Merkel, German’s chancellor, than the media suggest, he said on Thursday, brushing aside suggestions their relationship had worsened in recent months. At a ceremony in Aachen, where Ms Merkel was awarded the Charlemagne Prize for her efforts in relaunching Europe during Germany’s presidency of the European Union, the French president dismissed rumours of a rift as premature. “Don’t believe what they write in the papers,” he told Joachim Sauer, Ms Merkel’s husband, whom he mistakenly addressed as Mr Merkel. “I like Angela Merkel a lot more than they say. Angela and I make a very harmonious couple.” Speaking in a slightly hesitant French, the pastor’s daughter from formerly communist eastern Germany was less demonstrative than her partner from across the Rhine – who at home is sometimes described as the bling bling president. But she was no less generous in her praise for his efforts to put “France back at the heart of Europe” since his election a year ago. The Franco-German partners appear to be pulling out all the stops to persuade the world that recent disagreements were mere tiffs in a close and enduring relationship that is still the motor of European integration. Paris raised hackles in Berlin by suggesting the creation of a Mediterranean Union that would have excluded Germany. Ms Merkel was also annoyed by Mr Sarkozy’s strong criticism of the European Central Bank, whose independence she defends fiercely. But yesterday’s stage show sought to pass on the message that these disputes are no more than the daily compromises made by every couple that wants to stay together. “When we disagree, it is with the aim of finding a solution because we cannot let misunderstanding or contradictions create a gulf between France and Germany. That is forbidden,” said Mr Sarkozy. Despite the warm words, rumours persist about the lack of chemistry between the two leaders. Nonetheless civil servants on both sides acknowledge that though the characters might be different there is a common purpose over Europe. Divorce is not an option that either partner seems willing to contemplate. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008 |
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| Source Link | http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3304950,00.html |
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| Countries / Regions | Europe, Germany |
