the end of a love affair...

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As ARD had on their website (above), the Merkel-Sarkozy relationship was rare "love at first sight," like no other German-French relation. They were the "Merkozy" of politics among the "Brangelinas." And now? The Socialist Hollande replaces Sarkozy...[Funny joke: if "Merkozy" was the Merkel-Sarkozy duo, then the new duo (Merkel + Hollande) is called...Merde!] In the press, the big question has been how Hollande will work together with Merkel.  Hollande's first trip after the inauguration is planned for Berlin, May 16th.

Actually I noticed the "marriage" and "love" metaphors in the press a couple of times. The Irish Times writes, "Merkel and Hollande prepare to court each other for marriage of convenience" 

The Wall Street Journal writes that the  Merkel-Hollande Relationship Will Succeed:

But Ms. Merkel said she would "work well" with Mr. Hollande, whom she spoke to for the first time on Sunday night after his election victory. "German-French cooperation is essential for Europe," she said. "Germany will welcome François Hollande with open arms. And then we will work together."

"Hello Neighbor!" (Source)

Franco-German friendship (source)

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