Merz says Germany will work with whoever France elects in 2027

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that he would extend a hand to whoever becomes France's next president in 2027.

Merz spoke alongside French President Emmanuel Macron after a joint French-German government meeting near Cologne. The source said polls predict a victory for far-right candidate Marine Le Pen.

Merz said Germany would continue to do everything it could to keep cooperation with France as close, deep and trusting as possible. He said that applied regardless of what voters in the two countries decide.

Macron also addressed the question of his successor and urged caution about surveys predicting a Le Pen victory. He said people should beware of polls and trust the French people, adding that they should not always be expected to choose the worst and should be allowed to want the best.

The source said the far-right Alternative for Germany has also built a steady lead in German polls. It said other parties in Germany have so far maintained a firewall that prevents cooperation with the party.

Last week, Le Pen announced that she was still running for president despite an appeals court confirming a conviction for embezzlement.