"After this summit is over, let's just order Thai food and watch Bridget Jones." They chat on the phone everyday and make dinner dates. They laugh at each other's jokes. And sometimes, Europe's most powerful friendship makes continent-shaking moves.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have been pushing this week for a package of EU reforms intended to strengthen fiscal responsibility, end the eurocrisis, and reassure eurosceptics about financial integration. With British Prime Minister David Cameron's refusal to accept the package, Europe's best-known buddies found themselves claiming a victory all on their own. As Merkel put it, "I have always said, the 17 states of the eurogroup have to regain credibility. And I believe with today's decisions this can and will be achieved."
Merkel and Sarkozy, whose bond was reportedly on the rocks earlier during the crisis, returned to the partners they have become somewhat famous for being. The duo's friendship is strong -- Merkel gave Sarkozy's newborn baby a teddy bear recently -- that we know. But while we at Foreign Policy can't read minds and figure out exactly what they're thinking, we can certainly try.
Above, Sarkozy welcomes Merkel to a working lunch at the Elysee palace on Dec. 5 in Paris.
LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images
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MAJA
3:36 AM ET
October 28, 2011
Wow. Those two look really
Wow.
Those two look really good together. I hope it lasts...
XOXO
BRANDONT
1:08 PM ET
November 16, 2011
Haha..
"Wow. Those two look really good together".
I am sure they are just friends. :)
I guess you never know though, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if there was some spark and he is actually attracted to her in a professional sense of course.
Brandon
TEASER38
6:21 AM ET
October 29, 2011
The French at heat are really just Germans that speak bad Latin.
The stability Franco-German axis has rarely been all that big of an issue in recent years. Nice to see Sarko and Angie have such a bromance. Because Cameron doesn't want to engage in a ménage à trois, I wish the Pound many more years of steady erosion versus the Euro.
LINDA M FARLAND
4:01 PM ET
November 10, 2011
The Worlds Financial Crisis
Everyone is aware of the financial crisis that has been happening in almost all countries around the globe. With the leading superpowers in turmoil, one could only hope for strong alliances that could save their countries from worse economic recession and hope to be able to take the limelight back into their respective standing in world hierarchy of influence and revenues.
Such is true for both Germany and France by way of their representatives - Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Nicolas Sarkozy who are trying to further improve their partnership for the main goal of reviving euro into its original grandeur. Their alliance has proved that while being different in opinion at times would not hinder their goal in looking ahead for a more progressive Europe, and stabalization of worldwide brands throughout the world. The duo was able to come up with a strategy to revive Greek banks and to help them on to recapitalize their institutions.
If foreign partnerships are geared in the same direction as they are I would believe that it is important for many industrialized countries to follow their lead into restructuring their countries economy. Being given the chance to be affiliated with another super power or wealthy affiliate would give them an advantage to boost their nations’ internal and external financial affiliations. It would be a great chance for each country to share the best of what they have and to be able to make use of the partnership to open new trades between two countries. It would not be that difficult considering that you have a common goal.
The tandem shown by both Merkel and Sarkozy simply shows the world that even leading countries need the help of another to be able to survive in these trying times. It resembles possible friendship even though they are from two great but different nations separated by distance, ideology and internal governance. It might not be denied though that this simple partnership might mean something more than what they show. There might be some ulterior motive hidden behind the smiles and secret phone talks that they share between the two of them.
It can’t be helped that many people would be led into thinking of something more than helping the Greek banks get up on their feet to lighten the problem of both countries with regards to their internal commerce and trade. It would eventually stir a rumor about a secret plot or a secret trade between the two countries that these two representatives do not want to share to their respective citizens. It will always lead to conspiracy and possible corruption where two great leaders would be seen together often.
On the lighter side, if what they have is simply a union formed to create a more steady economy for both nations then that is well and good. It would benefit the many citizens who are also trying to do their part in trying to restore the former stability of their nations’ economy. It eventually helps the majority of the employment sector who are waiting for their respective higher officials to do the first move in saving their declining economy.
LISAJANE64
8:49 PM ET
November 17, 2011
Unfunny
I know that the text on this article is attempting to be humorous, but really, it's just plain tasteless. Judging from the smiles and facial expressions of these two clowns, one thing is certain: Europe is screwed.
Much love folks,
Lisa O.
MAVEE22
7:05 AM ET
November 24, 2011
So Amazing...
This is a picture of what nations should be. Let's work for the success of everybody. The friendship of these two beings is really admirable. In one of the interviews of Merkel, which I saw while I was running in one of my treadmills with tv, I am inspired by their friendship. Despite the problems their countries have, their friendship continues to grow stronger.