This drinking buddy is also in trouble. At home, the race for Chiracs succession is opened. Either PM Villepin or (my favourite) Interior Minister Sarkozy is most likely the next French President. Sarkozy and Merkel both agree that France and Germany should not play down the importance of the other EU-countries. So, say good-bye to the axis Paris-Berlin-Moscow-Bejing.
I think that would be a good change of pace for everyone - cheers!