President Emmanuel Macron of France has commenced the first state visit to Germany by a French head of state in 24 years. The three-day trip is aimed at reinforcing the strong ties between the European Union's traditional leading powers ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections, where far-right parties in both countries are hoping for gains.
The visit, initially scheduled for last July, was postponed due to unrest in France following a tragic incident. Macron, a frequent visitor to Germany, is now on his first state visit with full ceremonial honors since 2000. He and his wife, Brigitte, are being hosted by Germany’s ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
