Anja Wöhler-Schek, commentator for Tagesspiegel newspaper, said Russia is leading the way in using disinformation and other deliberate actions to stir up doubts in countries seeking to join the EU in order to ensure the success of the European development model. Vladimir Putin's tactics are drawing attention. . Georgia is a case in point, but pro-Putin populists are also gaining influence in EU countries, he said.
“In this situation, the EU should show its strength and defend with all its might the values on which it is based. Just as at the moment the two countries that should be the locomotives (Germany and France) are left out of the game.” , they send a signal that does not strengthen confidence in Europe's political and economic principles,” the commentary reads.
Germany and France are in deep crisis and can do little, the author said. Marine Le Pen of France's right-wing populist party National Rally wants to force President Emmanuel Macron, who could face a prison sentence for embezzling EU funds, to resign. Turmoil deepens the financial crisis.
See also: The huge crisis in France. local government collapsed
According to Wehler-Schock, optimism is completely inappropriate in this situation. Future US President Donald Trump will certainly seek to ruthlessly exploit weaknesses and divisions between EU countries. “How can we show strength when both European powers are weakening?” – asks the author. In her opinion, the answer should be sought in the east of the continent.
“This is where Prime Minister Donald Tusk is trying to take over a leading role in Europe. But Poland is unlikely to be able to fill the void left by the German-French alliance on its own. “In the face of the threat,” however, from Russia Poland can play a decisive role and become the hope of Europe in these dark times, “Wöhler Schok writes in conclusion.
French crisis. This could affect Ukraine's actions
In Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Michaela Wiegel asks whether the collapse of the French government is a victory for Putin. “For now, France is not playing its role as a reliable partner. Marine Le Pen has firmly taken the reins. She has never hidden the fact that she is critical of the support for Ukraine,” the commentator said. is writing.
As she pointed out, the left, which sees its mission as a fight against right-wing populists, became Le Pen's partner during the no-confidence vote against Michel Barnier's government.
See also: France's prime minister is in trouble. This may be the shortest-lived government
FAZ commentators emphasized that this crisis will have an impact on France's foreign and security policy. The defense budget, which provides for increased aid to Ukraine, will not be increased. Therefore, the delivery of weapons will not be possible as quickly as expected. Delivery of fighter jets and SCALP cruise missiles may be delayed.
“France's credibility has been seriously damaged. Due to the fiscal crisis, France's rearmament may be delayed. It remains to be seen whether France will be able to achieve its goal of spending 2% of GDP on the military in 2025. .This could have dire consequences for the arms industry,'' Wiegel writes.
“France faces a long period of uncertainty and cannot fulfill its role as a reliable partner to Germany until further notice, and Donald Trump knows this,” FAZ emphasizes.
The impact will be felt throughout Europe. Analysts warn
“After the ouster of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, the far-left and far-right opposition are expecting political turmoil and the resignation of President Macron,” writes Oliver Mailer in Süddeutsche Zeitung.
In his assessment, the budget dispute is just a pretext, as Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, head of the far-left party France Untamed, are pursuing different goals. They say they want to cause chaos. They hope that President Macron will sooner or later come to the conclusion that only his resignation can end the political blockade.
See also: Germany is preparing for war. They are making a list of bankers.
“Mr Barnier's ouster is a major defeat for Mr Macron,” said Michael Strempel, a commentator on German public television ARD. He said the Greek crisis seemed trivial given France's looming financial crisis, adding that France could become an “ungovernable” country. If Macron is unable to appoint a new prime minister, there will be shockwaves across Europe.
The lesson for Germany from the French crisis is that Germany could soon find itself in a similar situation if centrist parties abandon cooperation in the name of short-term political goals. “The autocrats and autocrats of neighboring countries (Europe) will be very happy about this,” the ARD commentator warned.
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