There’s an election upcoming in France and I think Macron is fighting to stay in office. Last week he again proposed upping the retirement age which led to huge pushback from unions. He’s modified his proposal this time around but LePen has also proposed one - albeit a little different than his. This is occupying center stage but at least Macron has been more vocal and I think the French have supported Ukraine.
I think the German psyche was permanently altered in 1945. They’re almost afraid to let themselves feel assertive - or warlike - if you will. It’s been buried within them.