BERLIN: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has voiced his concern over the recent riots in France, following President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to postpone his state visit to Germany due to the ongoing violence. Speaking in an interview with broadcaster ARD on Sunday, Scholz referred to France as a “friendly neighboring country” and emphasized the importance of the close collaboration between Paris and Berlin in ensuring the effective functioning of the European Union.
Scholz stated, “We are certainly looking at (the riots) with concern, and I very much hope, and I am certainly convinced, that the French president will find ways to ensure that this situation improves quickly.” The German Chancellor expressed confidence that France, despite the challenges it is facing, will not become destabilized.
President Macron’s office announced on Saturday that the state visit, initially scheduled to begin on Sunday, had been postponed due to the widespread violence in France, triggered by the police killing of a teenager. The visit was regarded as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two European Union powerhouses, with Macron intending to traverse Germany from west to east during the three-day visit. It would have marked the first state visit to Germany by a French president since 2000 when Jacques Chirac traveled to Berlin.
Scholz conveyed his understanding for Macron’s decision to remain in France amidst the unrest, stating, “I very much understand the French president’s decision to be in the country now. I would have done the same.”
