Olaf Scholz vs. Emmanuel Macron: an ancient animosity

The German chancellor and French president's relationship has been productive, but Ukraine war has put it under strain

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stand in front of the Brandenburg Gate
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stand in front of the Brandenburg Gate
(Image credit: Sean Gallup / Getty Images)

"Olaf Scholz and Emmanuel Macron have never liked each other," said Isabelle Lasserre in Le Figaro (Paris). They've nothing in common. Germany's chancellor is an "austere Protestant" of the traditional Left, and was raised in the "pacifist tradition". 

France's president is a "spontaneous disruptor" who leads the EU's only nuclear state and isn't afraid to make his views heard. The pair have clashed on subjects from the economy to defence to energy policy ever since Scholz came to power in 2021; but until now, they've almost always found ways to overcome crises and present a united front for Europe's common good.

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