France’s Hollande’s plane struck by lightning en route to Germany

Mr Hollande, a Socialist, is at odds with Chancellor Merkel's austerity measures (AFP/GETTY)
Mr Hollande, a Socialist, is at odds with Chancellor Merkel’s austerity
measures (AFP/GETTY)

In a joint press conference after talks in Berlin, Mr Hollande and Mrs Merkel
acknowledged their difference as the new French leader insisted that
everything must be put on the table” that could help growth in Europe.

“I want growth to be not only a word that can be uttered but followed by a
tangible act,” he said.

Mrs Merkel pledged that the two would work together but differences would
aired as if the two side were standing across the floor of parliament.

The pair agreed that they wished Greece within the euro. “I know the majority
of the Greek population agrees with us,” Mrs Merkel said.

However Mr Hollande added: “We have to allow Greece to find solutions,” he
said.

Earlier, he sent an instant message to Mrs Merkel, saying he wanted to “open
a new path” in Europe, including a “new” EU pact.

Mr Hollande, 57, the first socialist leader of France since Francois
Mitterrand left office in 1995, officially took over from Nicolas Sarkozy in
a relatively low-key inaugural ceremony at the Elysée Palace this morning.

Strengthened by the symbolism of the occasion, Mr Hollande wasted no time
issuing a strong message to the German Chancellor, who he will meet later
today for talks in Berlin.

“Today many peoples, starting with those in Europe, are awaiting and watching
us. To overcome the crisis hitting it, Europe needs projects, it needs
solidarity, it needs growth,” he said.

“To our partners I will propose a new pact that will combine the necessary
reduction of public debt with indispensible stimulation of the economy,”
said Mr Hollande.

Mr Hollande has championed the idea of renegotiating the fiscal pact that
enshrines budgetary discipline in the eurozone to include a growth chapter.
Mrs Merkel is categorical that the pact, signed by 25 of the 27 EU countries
and already ratified in some, must stay as it is.

Mr Hollande was at pains not to downplay the constraints his country faces,

“I take stock today of the force of the pressures our country is under:
massive debt, feeble growth, high unemployment, damaged competitiveness, a
Europe that is struggling to get out of the crisis,” Hollande told a
select group of dignitaries at the Elysee Palace.

“Nothing is inevitable as long as we are driven by a common will, as long
as a clear course has been set, and we apply all our strength and the assets
of France.”

“Such is the mandate I have received from the French people on May 6. Put
France back on its feet with justice, open a new path in Europe, contribute
to world peace and to the preservation of the planet,” he said.

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