Berlin – The German government has indicated that the impending vote of confidence facing the French government will not significantly curtail the importance of the upcoming German-French ministerial meeting in Toulon.
Speaking in Berlin on Friday, Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille emphasized the considerable value Germany places on its relationship with France, stating it remains a priority “regardless of who is in government in France”. He added, however, that Berlin aims to secure decisions and agreements with a lasting impact.
Hille highlighted the recent frequency of meetings between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, noting this was the third such encounter in a short period. He underscored the particular importance of maintaining strong relations with Germany’s closest neighbour, a relationship the new government has actively “relaunched” immediately after taking office.
The announcement comes as French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou intends to seek a vote of confidence in the National Assembly on September 8th. This follows a dispute concerning the proposed austerity budget. Bayrou’s government currently lacks a parliamentary majority, leading to widespread expectations that the confidence motion may fail.
