Germany will stay committed to Europe, Steinmeier promises Macron

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has reaffirmed that the country will continue to play a key role in Europe during a state visit to France, despite recent election results in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won two state votes, reported dpa.

"Germans will remain good Europeans, whatever changes for us - economically, politically and especially in security policy," Steinmeier said after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"Germany can only be successful as a European Germany, closely embedded in the European Union. That is the case and will remain so for us," Steinmeier pledged.

Macron also invoked the importance of both countries for the future of Europe. "If Germany and France do not move forward together, Europe does not move forward at all," he said.

The cooperation of both countries is important to "strengthen our democracies and their vitality - at a time when conspiracy theories and scepticism sometimes gain the upper hand," Macron added.

The two presidents met for what amounted to a double farewell visit as both are set to leave office next year.

Times were difficult for their countries, said Steinmeier, whose visit coincided with a nationwide wave of school protests in France.

Societies are becoming more polarized and the radical fringes are growing stronger, which complicates the formation of governments and the act of governing, he said.

"At the same time, reforms have become even more difficult," Steinmeier added, in what appeared to be a reference to the German government.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government is trying to push through a wide-reaching package of reforms, including changes to taxation, the labour market and pensions, which it hopes will boost the country's flagging economy.