Steinmeier visits Paris to reaffirm Franco-German ties following German regional elections

Ceremonial reception in Paris

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Paris on 8 October 2026 for a three-day state visit to France. French President Emmanuel Macron organized ceremonial honours along the cordoned-off Champs-Elysees, where the German national anthem played near the Arc de Triomphe. Steinmeier travelled down the avenue flanked by the mounted Garde Republicaine before entering the Elysee Palace. Large French and German flags lined the route as the motorcade proceeded through central Paris. During an initial reception marking the 36th anniversary of German reunification, Steinmeier invoked the Elysee Treaty signed by Konrad Adenauer and Charles de Gaulle. He described post-war reconciliation as the foundation between two nations that had faced each other as bitter enemies for centuries. Both heads of state, who took office months apart, framed the gathering as a shared farewell before stepping down in spring 2027.

Reassurances over German elections

During a joint media appearance in the Elysee Palace winter garden on Thursday midday, neither president took questions from journalists. Steinmeier addressed French concerns following recent regional elections in Germany, including AfD gains in Saxony-Anhalt where the party secured the presidency of the state parliament for the first time since 1945. He acknowledged that the visit occurred during difficult conditions defined by societal polarization and the growth of political extremes. Steinmeier added that such polarization complicates coalition building and makes governing significantly harder. In his statement to reporters, Steinmeier stressed that Berlin's alignment with European institutions remains solid despite domestic political shifts.

The Germans will also remain good Europeans, despite everything that is changing for us economically, politically, and especially in security policy.

Democracy and institutional stability

Macron echoed the warnings regarding societal fragmentation, cautioning that conspiracy theories and skepticism frequently challenge democratic institutions. The French president noted that bilateral cooperation between Paris and Berlin is required to sustain democratic stability against political radicalism. Macron observed that both leaders have walked side by side for a decade, enduring political challenges together. He pointed to broader pressures affecting the continent, including the war in Ukraine, climate change, and persistent economic stagnation. Steinmeier had noted that neither country can overcome its growth crisis if existing economic structures remain unaltered. Macron argued that progress across the European Union depends directly on joint leadership from both capitals.

If Germany and France do not move forward together, Europe does not advance at all.

Security differences and political exits

The meetings also addressed policy differences that have challenged bilateral ties in recent years. France has monitored Germany's large rearmament programme following the invasion of Ukraine, citing concerns that German military buildup could occur at the expense of European strategic autonomy. Steinmeier observed that communication about politics has increasingly migrated to social networks, making consensus more elusive. He also stated that implementing domestic economic reforms has become more difficult in the current political climate. With both leaders scheduled to leave office in spring 2027, the discussions ended with mutual appeals to keep bilateral treaties unshakeable for future administrations.