TL;DR
Angela Merkel maintained a pragmatic stance toward Theresa May, focusing on orderly Brexit steps while insisting on EU negotiating priorities.
Key Points
She rejected one of Theresa May's key Brexit demands in March 2017, insisting divorce settlement talks must precede those on the future UK-EU relationship.
The Chancellor held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister in Berlin on December 11, 2018, to discuss the next steps for the UK's withdrawal.
Analysis suggested that Theresa May's domestic economic positioning was in some respects reminiscent of the key domestic political strategy of Angela Merkel.
Summary
Angela Merkel’s position toward Theresa May was defined by the complex negotiations surrounding the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. Merkel consistently approached the situation with a focus on pragmatic progression through the required steps, as evidenced by meetings in Berlin to discuss next steps regarding the UK’s departure. A core component of her stance involved maintaining the EU’s established order for negotiations, specifically rejecting the former Prime Minister’s request for parallel talks on the withdrawal terms and the future relationship.
Despite this firmness on process, some analysis suggested that Theresa May, in her economic policy approach, exhibited similarities to Merkel’s own style, potentially leading to a degree of strategic alignment or understanding between the two leaders. However, the overriding context remained the need to protect the interests of the 27 remaining member states. The German Chancellor's public engagement with May often centred on official bilateral meetings to manage the ongoing disentanglement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Angela Merkel's core stance was a firm insistence on the EU's negotiating order. She rejected Theresa May's demand for parallel talks on the divorce settlement and the future relationship, stating disentanglement must be settled first.
Yes, the leaders engaged in bilateral meetings to discuss the ongoing Brexit process, such as the one held in Berlin in late 2018. These official engagements suggest a working, pragmatic relationship despite disagreements over negotiation procedure.
Some external analysis noted that Theresa May’s domestic economic policy approach contained elements that sounded similar to Chancellor Merkel's own centre-ground political strategy. This suggested a potential domestic parallel despite the international friction over Brexit.
Sources8
Paywall or Login Required
Angela Merkel rejects one of Theresa May's key Brexit demands | Article 50 | The Guardian
Paywall or Login Required
Angela Merkel receives Theresa May at the Federal Chancelery
Paywall or Login Required
Theresa May—More Merkel than Thatcher? | PIIE
Paywall or Login Required
Did Dalia Grybauskaite, Angela Merkel and Theresa May go to the same school? : r/europe
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.