French President Emmanuel Macron began a state visit to Germany, the first by a French leader in 25 years, with a call to defend democracy against rising nationalism ahead of the European Parliament elections.

At a democracy festival in Berlin, Macron warned of growing authoritarianism in major EU nations and stressed the importance of protecting democracy, alongside German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

He emphasized that recent history would have been different under nationalist leadership, citing responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Both leaders called for a strong alliance of democrats in Europe, AFP has reported.

Macron’s visit comes as his centrist coalition faces potential setbacks in upcoming EU elections, with far-right parties gaining traction in both France and Germany.

Macron vowed to expose the flaws in France’s National Rally, describing it as a threat to Europe.

Written by B.C. Begley