Scholz Meets Donald Tusk in Farewell Visit to Warsaw
Above: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk talk after concluding a press conference in Warsaw, on July 2, 2024. Image copyright: Marek Antoni Iwanczuk/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
At a time when the United States is pivoting away from Europe to turn its attention on China, it's pressing that Germany mends its bilateral relationship with Poland, and this visit is an opportunity to do just that even before Merz takes office. After all, Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine continues to pose a threat to Europe.
Pro-Russia narrative
Chancellor Scholz brought his country to a dead end with regard to Russia, so it would be a mistake for Germany to continue on the same path. Whether Berlin will mend its relationship with Poland after this visit is inconsequential, the next government must actually change course and avoid past mistakes made with Russia.
