The “Quirinale Treaty” signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, a cooperation agreement covering a wide range of cooperation from 5G and space missiles to migration.
Coincidentally, the negotiations that have been going on for some years have received a strong boost in recent months and completely just before the change of guard in the German Chancellery.
Coincidentally, the agreement was signed shortly before the end of 2021, when the French are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death.
Coincidentally, the ceremony took place at the Palazzo Quirinale, rebuilt by Bonaparte when he conquered Rome in 1809, although he never settled there. There were serious problems between Paris and Rome but certainly not as dramatic as the age-old rivalry between France and Germany.
According to French President Emmanuel Macron, the Quirinale treaty can in no way negatively affect or diminish the importance of the Franco-German axis.
For their part, the Germans do not seem to be worried either. Political correctness and composure determine the behavior of all involved. But this does not mean that there are no personal agendas and ambitions.
The ouster of Mrs Merkel from the political scene creates the conditions that French President Emmanuel Macron is trying to take advantage of by claiming a leading role in the EU, which objectively does not belong to him because France is clearly behind Germany in economic power, organization and stability.
Bonapartism is an element that largely characterizes French President Emmanuel Macron, but he is aware that in order to upgrade his position within the EU, he needs the capable Prime Minister of Italy, Mario Draghi, and that is why this treaty was reached.
Of course, the goal of the new European duo is by definition limited. Because the main battle will be fought with the new tsar of the German economy, the leader of the Liberals, Christian Lindner, and whatever he represents.
