New German leader treads carefully in London

Downing Street – the latest stop on Angela Merkel’s diplomatic tour. Germany’s new chancellor has been to London for talks with the British prime minister. In keeping with Berlin’s close ties to Paris, Merkel’s first trip was to meet the French president. But she has given clear signals her instincts are closer to Tony Blair’s market-friendly ideas.

As president of the European Union until the end of the year, he is under pressure to strike a deal over the EU budget at next month’s summit. Asked at a press conference whether she supported the French or UK positions in the debate over the EU budget, Merkel diplomatically replied: “For me success is the top priority, so I support any possible success.”

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