The Duran Podcast Macron or Merz, who will rule over Europe?
Dec 22, 2025
Tensions in the EU rise as Macron reportedly blocks Merz's plan to seize Russian frozen assets. The discussion delves into rival claims among German politicians and the political fallout for Merz, highlighting his failures compared to Merkel's leadership style. Meanwhile, concerns about a proposed €90 billion loan for Ukraine surface, with risks of high interest and scrutiny from the Bundestag. The hosts also explore Macron's ambition to take on a peacemaking role, the shifting alliances in Europe, and calls for a course correction within the CDU.
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Macron Blocks Asset Seizure To Advance Ambition
- Macron intervened late to block the seizure of Russian frozen assets, angering Friedrich Merz and splitting the EU leadership.
- The move suggests Macron is positioning himself beyond Ukraine to pursue broader European leadership ambitions.
Merz's Proposal Collapses Under Legal Risk
- Friedrich Merz championed using Russian assets as collateral and publicly claimed it as his idea in the Financial Times.
- The plan collapsed under legal and financial objections from institutions like Euroclear, the IMF and the ECB.
EU Split Flips Traditional Power Roles
- The EU council split with Italy and France opposing a German-led risky scheme, inverting usual fiscal dynamics.
- Merz now appears politically isolated and damaged within Germany and the EU.