The Franco-German alliance is struggling due to weak domestic positions of their leaders, Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz. Both leaders face political crises, with Macron's government weakened after early elections and Scholz's coalition collapsing. The situation complicates their influence in EU discussions, especially with external pressures like Donald Trump's potential divide-and-conquer strategy. The looming threat of recession in Germany further hampers their leadership role.