Germany and France ties will hold EU together: German Chancellor Merkel

Berlin, January 1: “Without delay,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she is pledging to form her next government and also will shake hands with France to hold the European Union together.

In a New Year's Eve speech to the nation, Merkel outlined a vision for her fourth term that includes an alliance with French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen Europe's economic clout and control migration, while upholding values of tolerance and pluralism within the EU and abroad.

"Germany and France want to work together to make this happen and thus help to make Europe fit for the future," she said.

"Twenty-seven countries in Europe must be impelled more strongly than ever to remain a community," Merkel said on Sunday. "That will be the decisive question of the next few years. Germany and France want to work together to make it succeed."

The chancellor sought to put her stamp on the political debate after a poll this week suggested Germans increasingly don't want her to serve another full term.

"Both are realities in our country: success and confidence, but also fears and doubts," Merkel said. "Both are sources of motivation for me."

In his September speech delivered at the Sorbonne University, French President Emmanuel Macron put forward a comprehensive and ambitious plan to reform the European Union (EU). However, Germany in the vacancy of a new government could not make a clear and strong response at present. Merkel said the EU member countries need more than ever to stick together as one community.