Merkel mustering G20 supports:
Chancellor Angela Merkel is seeking to bolster support among G20 members for tackling climate change ahead of a summit in Hamburg next month, while trying to avoid giving the impression she is rallying an anti-U.S. alliance, German government sources say.
Merkel is ready for dissent at the meeting, however, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from a global climate change agreement, they said.
Merkel told an audience in Argentina on Friday that as host of the G20, she would have to be up front about differences if all 20 highly industrialised countries failed to see eye to eye on climate and other issues, as the final communique requires unanimous consent.
“There will be issues where not everyone gets what we want,” Merkel said, a
clear nod to Trump’s move to pull out of the 2015 Paris accord to combat climate change days after refusing to endorse it at summits in Europe.
At the same time, Merkel, a strong advocate of the Paris accord, must stay true to her views at home, where she is seeking a fourth term in office in September national
elections and where Trump remains deeply unpopular.
During visits to Argentina and Mexico, Merkel highlighted her shared views with the leaders of both countries on climate change, trade and other issues.
“Germany is looking for allies on issues that are important to us,” Merkel said
after a meeting with Argentine President Mauricio Macri.
German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Saturday that her staff have drawn up a 13-page paper for the July G20 summit that includes specific references to the 2015 Paris agreement - setting up a potential showdown with Trump.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has suggested striking out the references to enable Trump to sign the communique, the magazine reported. (RTRS)