Macron and Merz Strengthen Alliance as Berlin Fears Le Pen Victory in 2027

Cooperation between France and Germany was demonstrated at the highest level this week through four meetings between President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, accompanied by joint ministerial consultations.

Behind this display of unity lies concern over the possibility of Marine Le Pen winning the 2027 French presidential election. Experts believe that a victory for the far-right leader would shake up cooperation between Berlin and Paris.

Jacob Ross of the German Council on Foreign Relations warns that such an outcome would immediately lead to a loss of trust and make political and administrative cooperation between the two countries more complicated.

According to Stefan Seidendorf of the Franco-German Institute, the impact would not be limited to politics. It would also extend to the economy, administration, city partnership ties and youth exchange programmes. The concerns are linked to Le Pen’s more nationalist orientation and her less integration-focused stance on Europe.

As Emmanuel Macron cannot run again and polls give Le Pen a realistic chance of winning, Berlin is closely watching developments on the French political scene.

Nevertheless, Macron and Merz aim to deepen the Franco-German partnership through coordination in defence, support for Ukraine and new military projects. The German chancellor has stated that Germany will keep its “hand extended” to France, regardless of the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.