The Rest Is Politics 229. Putin’s sham election, Sunak under threat, and the rift between France and Germany
Mar 20, 2024
The discussion kicks off with a look at the shaky relationship between France and Germany, especially in the context of military support during the Ukraine crisis. There's a deep dive into Putin's election tactics, revealing how he manipulates the political landscape to maintain control. The hosts also humorously reflect on politicians' awkward attempts in sports, adding a light touch. Finally, they examine the turbulent state of the UK Conservative Party, including the potential challenges Rishi Sunak faces amidst low polling and calls for leadership change.
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Franco-German Relations
- Macron wants to be a European leader, while Scholz leads Germany, Europe's most powerful country.
- Their differing views on Ukraine, from troop deployments to weapon supplies, reveal a strained relationship.
Historical Context
- Historical disputes, like those over Alsace-Lorraine and the Rhineland, shaped early Franco-German relations.
- Post-WWII, leaders sought integration, including talks of shared currencies and armies, culminating in symbolic gestures like Kohl and Mitterrand's "Holy Hands".
Germany's Psyche and Ukraine
- While the US credits Reagan's assertiveness for the Berlin Wall's fall, Germans believe their cooperative approach (Ostpolitik) played a larger role.
- This historical context informs Germany's current cautious approach towards the Ukraine war, contrasting with Macron's hawkish stance.