Germany moves away from France and begins relations with Italy

It is reported that a severe rift is developing in the long-standing relationship between Germany and France, which were considered the most powerful political duo in Europe after World War II. According to Euro News, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is currently taking steps to build a new diplomatic relationship with Italy's right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sidelining France.

Merz hinted at this new political shift recently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he emphasized that new proposals would be presented at the Italian-German summit in Rome on January 23rd to lead the European Union more efficiently.

The American political website 'The Politico' points out that both Merz and Meloni hold right-wing ideologies and are keen to maintain close ties with America, as well as avoid conflicts with Donald Trump. Both leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction with some of French President Emmanuel Macron's actions, and Germany is now leaning towards Italy instead of its previous trust in France regarding trade, industry, and foreign policy. A primary reason for Germany's disillusionment with France is France's attempt to undermine the 'Mercosur' trade agreement, which includes the South American countries of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Although Germany, with its export-based economy, expected significant benefits from this free trade agreement, the Macron government is delaying the agreement due to strong opposition from French farmer organizations. French farmers fear that importing cheap grains, dairy products, and beef from South America would destroy their domestic industries, and Macron has bowed to the farmers' demands for his political standing. Additionally, severe disagreements have arisen between the two countries regarding the 'Future Combat Air System' (FCAS) project, a future combat aircraft valued at 100 billion Euros (approximately 10.7 trillion LKR).

France claims that the design and control of this sixth-generation aircraft project, intended to replace France's 'Rafale' and Germany's 'Eurofighter' jets after 2040, should belong to its Dassault Aviation company, while Germany demands equal rights for its Airbus company. The German newspaper 'Handelsblatt' reports that Meloni is now becoming Merz's "most important ally," and both are in agreement, especially on the policy of not engaging in a trade war with America. The Italian side accuses French President Macron of pursuing a two-faced policy regarding Trump, and his secret diplomatic efforts have been revealed with the recent leak of a private message Macron sent to Trump.

Political commentators describe this new friendship between Merz and Meloni as more of a necessity arising from current circumstances than a mere political strategy. Although there were previous disagreements between the two countries regarding handing over frozen Russian assets to Ukraine and budget policies, it is noteworthy that both countries' economic policies are now reaching some agreement. Italy has worked to cut its unnecessary expenses, while Germany has agreed to incur expenses, even by taking loans, for its infrastructure and defense. However, some foreign diplomats warn that this might be a temporary measure taken by Italy to capitalize on the uneasy situation between France and Germany, rather than a long-term strategic alliance.