Macron in Germany warns against ‘fascination for authoritarianism’

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The visit commenced with Macron’s attendance at a festival in Berlin, where he warned against a growing “fascination for authoritarianism” in both major EU nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a press conference at Bellevue Place in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, May 26, 2024 (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

French President Emmanuel Macron embarked on Sunday on the first state visit to Germany by a French president in a quarter-century, aiming to rally support for a perceived defense of democracy against the rising tide of nationalism.

The visit commenced with Macron’s attendance at a festival in Berlin, where he warned against a growing “fascination for authoritarianism” in both major EU nations.

“We forget too often that it’s a fight to protect democracy,” Macron said, standing alongside German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Steinmeier echoed Macron’s sentiments as he called for “an alliance of democrats in Europe”.

Dans nos démocraties, nous nous sommes habitués à la démocratie, oubliant trop souvent que c’était un combat. pic.twitter.com/DNkdLhler0

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 26, 2024

Despite his impassioned rhetoric, Macron faces a significant challenge on the home front, with polls indicating a potential embarrassment for his centrist coalition in the upcoming European Parliament elections.

Trailing behind the far-right, Macron’s coalition struggles to maintain relevance, raising questions about his ability to uphold the very principles he champions abroad.

At a press conference, Macron took aim at France’s far-right Relais National (RN), vowing to “unmask” its rhetoric and warned against the threat it poses to Europe.

“Unlike many, I’m not getting used to the idea that the Relais National is just another party. And so when it’s at the top of the surveys, I see this party and its ideas as a threat to Europe,” he said.

“Our Europe, today, is mortal and it can die,” he added. “It can die, and this depends only on our choices.”

Macron is scheduled to address audiences in Dresden, a stronghold of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The visit will culminate in talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and a joint Franco-German cabinet meeting in Meseberg.