The options for Merkel are either to prioritise strengthening her EU partnerships or to expend political capital to help Britain procure a UK-friendly Brexit. European integration trumps Brexit, writes Joergen Oerstroem Moeller.
[...]Germany will not be the UK's intermediary as it tries to exit the European Union. Neither Merkel nor anybody else influencing Germany's Brexit position has so much as implied that they are willing to do so. The 24 September German election result dispelled any remaining hope of a repetition of 1971.
In the short term, Merkel will be burdened with the machinations of coalition-building. The expected partnership of her Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union, the Free Democratic Party and Green ecology party would be the first three-way coalition in the post-war federal republic's history. While these parties haggle, Germany will not be able to influence the Brexit negotiations.
Brexit, regardless, is not a priority for any German party. Some British ministers see the FDP as a potential ally, judging by past statements from the party, but this again is self-deception on the part of the UK. The FDP has advocated a tough line on giving financial support to other EU members. There is no reason why it would promote softening Germany's position on Britain's financial contribution, as the cost would fall on German taxpayers.
Furthermore, President Emmanuel Macron has made it clear that he is looking to Germany to help France strengthen European integration, which runs counter to Britain's own plans. After Brexit, the core EU countries will shy away from allowing outsiders like the UK to benefit unduly from the benefits of 'ever closer union'. [...]
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