Checking in on Macron, France

It is a clear breach of protocol. As the French President finishes his speech and returns to his seat, the first members of the audience rise to their feet. Hesitantly at first, as it is not really proper to applaud during an act of mourning. But now that the President of the Bundestag, Bärbel Bas, is standing, a sudden jolt goes through the plenary of the Bundestag and everyone jumps to their feet.

In the front row, the Federal President and the Chancellor applaud, while Emmanuel Macron is escorted to his seat by the caped ushers. The prime ministers have also stood up to pay their respects to the French president. This pull is so strong that even Angela Merkel cannot escape it.

It is a small sensation when the French president travels to Berlin to give a funeral speech for a German who has held many high offices of state in the five decades of his political career, but not the highest. Wolfgang Schäuble was a member of parliament for over 50 years, a federal minister for almost two decades, parliamentary group leader for ten years and later President of the Bundestag. However, Schäuble never became chancellor or federal president.

Macron honoured him as a friend of France and a great European. "Germany has lost a statesman," he said of Schäuble, who died on Boxing Day in Offenburg surrounded by his family. "Europe has lost a pillar. France has lost a friend." The President delivers much of his speech in German. This is also a special sign on this day.

Schäuble's wish to have a Frenchman speak in the Bundestag says a lot about his trust in France and Germany, says Macron, praising Schäuble's idea of a "two-speed Europe". It is a small jab at the Chancellor, who is sitting just a few metres in front of him and has to put his headphones on and off every few minutes when the President switches from French to German and vice versa.

[...] Some of the mourners later said they were fighting back tears when Macron exclaimed at the end of his speech:
"Long live Europe! Long live the Franco-German friendship!"

"We will never allow the spirit of revenge to flourish. And in these moments of mourning, in the trials of time, nothing must ever divide us. France will remain united for itself and for others, united to stand beyond destinies and differences within our united nation at this time of suffering for Israelis and Palestinians, to work tirelessly to meet the aspirations for peace and security of all in the Middle East. Betharram, as the cemeteries are known in Israel, is the home of life. For those who remain, their lives will be made up of these absences. A different life, a different world by the yardstick of remembrance".

The National Rally president is talked about as the future of the French right

Pierre de Gaule, who told TASS in an interview in St. Petersburg: "It would be an honour for me to receive Russian citizenship. Your country offers great opportunities. I love the deep and powerful culture, intelligence and Russian spirit."

Schultz next?

(Near-)Final results show that a coalition of the French left has won the most seats in high-stakes legislative elections, beating back a far-right surge but failing to win a majority.