French President Emmanuel Macron has hosted Christian Democrat leader Armin Laschet at the Elysee Palace. The visit comes just weeks before critical elections, with Laschet vying to become Germany's next chancellor.
Chancellor candidate for the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and North Rhine-Westphalia premier Armin Laschet held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Laschet said he had a "good, very friendly conversation" with the French leader.
Security in Europe and counterterrorism were two of the main topics discussed during the meeting. Laschet said it's clear that "only a European solution will make us strong in the fight against terrorism" He urged closer cooperation between Germany and France on security issues.
Laschet laid a white rose on the memorial for the 90 people who died in the attacks at the Bataclan concert hall. He called the terrorist act on our "European way of life" Laschet's meeting with Macron comes as France begins the trial against the suspects behind the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris.
Laschet slammed by opposition at home over visit to France. North Rhine-Westphalia leader was criticized by opposition politicians in his home state. Laschet also serves as Germany's official representative for German-French cultural relations. The trip was meant to signify Laschet's competence in foreign affairs.
Laschet's visit to Paris occurred as members of the North Rhine-Westphalia parliament debated the impact of catastrophic flooding this summer. 49 people were killed in the western German state. Laschet defended his absence from the parliamentary debate.
Laschet has been criticized for laughing during a visit to a flood-affected region this summer. The CDU has fallen behind in the polls in recent months, with the center-left candidate Olaf Scholz gaining traction.
Germany's federal elections will take place on September 26. The elections will be held in Germany's capital, Berlin, on October 26. Germany's national elections are scheduled to take place in the fall of the year. The election is expected to be the first in Germany for more than a quarter of a year.
Quelle: FreiesNachrichtenblatt.com
