Editorial. Honeymoon between Paris and Berlin after the defection of the American friend

To overcome hard knocks, there's nothing like a friend. A powerful one, preferably. In a world that seems to be going to pot, Paris and Berlin have no choice but to get along. This is rather fortunate since there is good news between Emmanuel Macron and the brand-new Chancellor Friedrich Merz . By booking his first diplomatic outing for Paris, the new German leader sent a clear message: Germany and France absolutely must join forces to weather the current geopolitical storms. How far will this new era of collaboration go? Undoubtedly further than the "I love you, I love you not" cultivated by Angela Merkel and perpetuated by Olaf Scholz . Not that these two eminent leaders damaged the Franco-German relationship. No, that's not the case. But at the time, Berlin had plenty of other irons in the fire. And in particular, a well-stocked order book thanks to the American godfather. A transatlantic partner, also capable of opening a precious defensive umbrella over Germany. It's not easy to escape the influence of such an "enveloping" friend.

Yet, thanks to his very personal take on economics and diplomacy, Donald Trump has managed to free Berlin from its inhibitions. Import taxes and military disengagement have acted as an electroshock across the Rhine. Combined with the Russian threat and Chinese competition, Uncle Sam's indifference has finally opened the eyes of a very self-centered German political class. This is good news for France in particular and for Europe in general. Moreover, it was in Warsaw that Friedrich Merz landed after leaving Emmanuel Macron. This Poland, this very strategic ally, will sign a bilateral friendship agreement with France on Friday in Nancy. In diplomacy, there are no coincidences or chance: there are only opportune moments.