Analysis-In post-Merkel EU, Macron can't exert leadership without allies

FILE PHOTO; French President Emmanuel Macron looks on as he visits the Richelieu site of the Bibliotheque Nationale de France (National Library of France), after the completion of the renovation project and the 300th anniversary of the installation of the royal collections, in Paris, France, September 28, 2021. Bertrand Guay/Pool via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) - Angela Merkel's exit from the EU stage she dominated for 16 years has handed French President Emmanuel Macron an opportunity to take up the mantle of European leadership and press on with his plans for a more independent Europe.

Not so fast, diplomats from countries across the European Union say.