Angela Merkel is determined to become a “European” chancellor thanks to her third term and is convinced that she is in a strong position to promote a project that is supposed to become her political legacy: the reform of the European Union.
Even though the eurozone’s economic situation is showing its first signs of life in a long time, Angela Merkel is aware that the crisis could flare up again at any moment.
That is why the chancellor is preparing a set of European reforms. The plan is to implement programs against youth unemployment, tax evasion, and establish a budget specific to the eurozone to stimulate growth. In return, Brussels will see its oversight extended over the financial and economic policies of member states.
Angela Merkel now intends to pursue her controversial program in a “social-democratized” form. To this end, she has found a key ally: the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, who is aiming for the position of President of the European Commission in Brussels.
At the same time, she could set in motion reforms in favor of growth and competitiveness in tandem with Martin Schulz, who regularly meets with the chancellor in Berlin: they exchange text messages and work out compromises on ways to strengthen the monetary and economic union.
The European elections next year will be the first to be held under the conditions set by the Treaty of Lisbon. Therefore, their results will have to be taken into account by the 28 heads of government of the member states in the appointment of the Commission President.
Martin Schulz, 57, who has worked to build alliances in the past, stands a good chance of being appointed. He can count on broad support in the Parliament as well as the European Council, extending far beyond the ranks of his political family.
Angela Merkel is aware of this, and she would be perfectly satisfied with his presence at the head of the Commission, especially since the social democrat has the confidence of the French President, François Hollande.
The Franco-German tandem would thus be revitalized, and Martin Schultz would be a very important link in it.
