PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday admitted differences with German counterpart Angela Merkel on Brexit, trade and energy policy, saying "confrontations" and compromises were part of their relationship.
"On Brexit, we are not completely on the same page. On our ambitions for the climate and in energy, we are not completely on the same page," Macron told a press conference.
The frank admission of splits in the Franco-German couple was rare from Macron who has repeatedly urged Merkel to work with him on an ambitious reform programme for the EU.
He also referred to what he described as the "incoherent" decision to begin EU trade talks with the United States, backed by Merkel, despite US President Donald Trump's climate policies.
Macron said the "culture of compromise" underpinning relations between the neighbours "should not stop us from affirming a French position when there is one, and like in all couples, in every project, from accepting disagreements" as well as "fruitful confrontations".
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