The fall of the French government has led to widespread concerns about the future of the European Union (EU), with many analysts suggesting that the Franco-German axis, which has long been the backbone of EU unity, is severely destabilized. The crisis in France is now threatening not only the EU but also the Eurozone itself.
The Polish newspaper “Żećpospolita” argues that the political and economic crises in both France and Germany indicate that the once-essential Berlin-Paris axis is no longer a key driver for the EU. As a consequence of the war in Ukraine, a new power center is emerging from the Nordic, Baltic countries, and Poland. The newspaper states that the EU’s foundation, once heavily dependent on agreements between Berlin and Paris on critical issues, is no longer valid or sufficient.
Both French and other EU media outlets are suggesting that French President Emmanuel Macron‘s position is now at risk, with some speculating that his resignation could follow the political fallout. The German site “Eurointelligence” warns that the collapse of the French government could lead to a broader disintegration of the EU’s structure.
Many analysts express deep concerns that the EU will struggle to cope with the crisis, especially when dealing with the Ukraine war and a new, potentially antagonistic US president, Donald Trump. The London-based weekly “The Economist” highlights that France is now in uncharted territory, with no budget and no government, making it hard to predict how the deep political crisis in France will be resolved.
From the ranks of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is a key contender in the upcoming German elections in February, a message has emerged asserting that “Europe cannot afford to exclude France,” though the fall of Barnier’s government may indeed threaten European stability.
Italy’s “Corriere della Sera” bluntly declares that “Macronism is dead,” noting that Macron’s attempt to re-establish a political center has failed.
Mark Ringel, an analyst at the German-French Institute, warns that the collapse of both France and Germany is happening at a critical juncture when Europe needs to confront several challenges—from commercial tensions with China to the return of Trump, all of which require a strong, united EU.
“If France is politically blocked, just as Germany is, how can Europe move forward?” Ringel questions, highlighting the uncertain future of EU leadership.
