French President Emmanuel Macron will host outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz tonight at the Élysée Palace for a farewell dinner, marking the end of Scholz’s four-year tenure ahead of the official transfer of power to his successor, Friedrich Merz. Merz is expected to visit Paris next week as part of efforts to reset Franco-German relations.
According to the French presidency, Macron will pay tribute to Scholz’s contribution to a stronger, more sovereign, and more independent European Union. The two leaders are set to reflect on their joint efforts during Scholz’s term, despite the often lukewarm dynamic between them.
At the last EU summit in Brussels in March, Macron delivered what was described by the Élysée as a “very personal message” to Scholz, calling him a “friend, companion, and a valued political partner” throughout their time in office.
However, behind these warm words lies a more strained reality. The relationship between Paris and Berlin has cooled in recent years, largely due to the contrasting styles of the two leaders—Macron’s highly visible leadership versus Scholz’s more reserved approach.
This diplomatic friction has made France particularly eager for a reset under the incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who emerged victorious in Germany’s February elections and will govern in coalition with the Social Democrats.
Merz’s upcoming visit to Paris is expected to revitalize the strategic partnership between the EU’s two largest economies, as both countries prepare for new political cycles at home and in Brussels.
