French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have led Europe since the start of the Ukraine crisis compared to other leaders.
Expert on French politics, Professor David Lees, spoke about the impact of leadership of these two from day one of the Russia- Ukraine conflict. Macron and Scholz have taken heat for others not being convinced they can sway Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Macron Diplomatically Leads the EU
The French president has played a crucial role in diplomatic efforts to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, apparently speaking with President Vladimir Putin 17 times in the last four months, citing the Express UK.
One goal of such engagement with Putin is to "disrupt his logic" while preserving a line of communication to discuss problems such as humanitarian passages and a potential route out of the conflict.
Other diplomatic efforts have also seen him engage closely with US President Joe Biden and have a key role at last week's NATO emergency meeting. Another view is that the French leader in charge of the EU's rotating presidency naturally carries on those tasks.
According to Dr. Lees, France is the leading figure in Europe due to the UK's departure from the bloc and Germany's leadership transition. This was reflected in its response to Putin's hostility.
President Emmanuel Macron went on to say that things may have changed now, increase in military spending and a sense of seeking to be a leader in NATO, particularly in terms of armaments and other assistance to Ukraine, cited NATO.
Furthermore, Macron got ahead of everyone in the first few months before the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic special operations, with France leading Germany in diplomacy.
Lees said that Macron is one of the loudest voices in Europe doing negotiations with Putin, noted Radio Free Europe.
The Ukraine crisis brought about a chance for Macron to lead the EU. It was the circumstance that Berlin would lead and Paris not far behind; however, France was at the forefront this time.
French Leader Macron Could Win Upcoming Elections
Macron could win France's two-round general elections; scuttlebutt is that he might be the only one to get a second term in 20 years.
While others rattled sabers, Paris would be reaching out to get a stop to the Ukraine incursion peacefully, which would give a boost to his image. It was similar to the support of British PM Margaret Thatcher during the Falklands conflict. The current French leader is campaigning with only two weeks left with a rally last Saturday.
Macron's acceptance remarked that Dr. Lees is due to Paris as a world leader and an international statesman. It would benefit him in the next coming elections with a possible victory. He sees that no one does challenge the president in getting the keys to the official residence of French leaders.
Suppose everything goes right for the incumbent French leader to show his worth on the world stage as a great leader. But far-right rival Marine Le Pen's campaign is getting traction on the French leader these days.
French President Emmanuel Macron is one of the few EU leaders who have a line with the Kremlin, and suing for settlement gives him a boost at home, but has been scarred by his approach but still moves for resolution.
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