Monday (February 7th): Macron the Miracle Maker?

Macron

Name? Emmanuel Macron

Westphalian identity? French

Age? 44

Why is he in the news? French President Emmanuel Macron is meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss rising tensions between the West and Russia, as well as the situation at the Russian-Ukrainian border. Macron’s main aim for his visit is to “discuss the terms of a de-escalation”

Why do we care? Any effort to de-escalate this conflict is welcome from our side. However, Macron desperately wants to make the EU relevant again. After Putin stated that he only recognised US President Joe Biden as a negotiating partner, travelling to Moscow is already a win for Macron. Especially considering that he wants to revitalise the Normandy Format in order to resolve the Ukraine conflict and prove European significance in the international sphere. 

Why should you care? Talking is usually better than shooting but do not expect too much of this meeting. Macron is out there claiming European leadership for himself and Putin is happy about the parade of state leaders legitimising his claims for security guarantees. Nothing world-changing but you should still care 6/10

Who else cares? German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Macron have agreed to solve this crisis in close cooperation. While Macron is visiting Putin, Scholz is meeting with US President Biden to assure his support for NATO, work on alternatives for Europe’s reliance on Russian gas and play the counterpart to Macron in Moscow. After Merkel’s departure from office, Macron was liberated in two ways, first, Olaf Scholz is more prone to his EU policy and, second, Macron now assumes leadership in the EU.

Any further comments? All of this must be seen in the prospect of French presidential elections next April. Macron has not yet announced that he will run again but it is highly likely. Positioning himself on the international stage as Europe’s main negotiator and an equal to Putin creates great images for another presidential run.

Joshua Dario Hasenstab

General Coordinator