, Columnist
Merkel and Macron Inch Toward a Common Budget
Their relationship is off to a good start, but there are some big tests ahead.
He'll drink to that.
Photographer: Michele TantussiThis article is for subscribers only.
French President Emmanuel Macron's first trip to Berlin was a lovefest: If anyone thought German Chancellor Angela Merkel would push back on Macron's plans to reform the European Union, they were disappointed. It's not clear, however, if the young and impatient Macron is ready for a slow, clumsy but ultimately useful Merkel-style compromise, which appears to be in the cards.
Both leaders face elections soon: Macron hopes to muster parliamentary support for his agenda in the June legislative election, and a September vote will decide whether Merkel will get a fourth term as chancellor. A show of unity helps both.