Hollande invited to Berlin for talks
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited France’s socialist president-elect Francois Hollande to Berlin, where he is expected to challenge German-imposed way of handling the eurozone crisis.
Right after French socialist candidate won the presidential election, German leader joined other world leaders in congratulating Hollande on his victory and invited him to visit the German capital for talks.
Hollande, whose victory was in part due to his promise to renegotiate Europe's fiscal pact, said during his presidential campaign that he would not approve the fiscal austerity pact agreed by the leaders of 25 European states unless it includes measures to stimulate growth.
"Austerity can no longer be the only option," he said in his victory speech on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Hollande has stressed that his first foreign trip will be to the German capital to challenge the centre-right chancellor on the precepts of her management strategy over eurozone crisis.
Merkel, who had a war of words last month with Hollande, said on Monday that she was sure the two countries would work closely together.
Speaking at the French embassy in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also said, "We will now work together on a growth pact for Europe, that delivers more growth through more competitiveness."
Hollande, who defeated Merkel’s main eurozone ally Nicolas Sarkozy, is expected to travel to Berlin after his swearing-in on May 15.