Is There a Spark Between Annalena Baerbock and Antony Blinken? It is all over European Media, the two politicians are an item.
Germany’s Foreign Minister has recently separated from her husband—and she’s been posting an unusually high number of photos with her U.S. counterpart, Antony Blinken. Conflict, jealousy, and resentment are the emotions often associated with German politics. Glamour, on the other hand, is rarely found—least of all in the chancellery. Angela Merkel, famously unpretentious, held office there for 16 years. The dry Olaf Scholz has similarly little to offer in this department. But then there’s Green Party Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock—and a “hot” rumor now being spread by Bunte, the German tabloid magazine.
“Her new love after the end of her marriage?” the tabloid asks, showcasing photos of Baerbock with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, hinting at a possible romance.
Those expecting clear-cut paparazzi shots, however, will be disappointed. Bunte sourced its content from Baerbock’s official Instagram account. Yet there’s still plenty to see there.
Baerbock has posted no fewer than nine photos of herself with Blinken. The images convey a sense of mutual warmth, if nothing more. In one, he plays guitar while she sings along (at a G7 summit); in another, he wraps his arm around her; in yet another, they sit closely together in a garden. Baerbock describes him as a “friend.”
Bunte calls this an “ode of admiration” and an “unabashed public infatuation.” The tabloid also criticizes the apparent closeness, arguing that international politics “requires a certain distance.” After all, “a minister represents the interests of their own country.”
But one question remains unresolved: Is there truly something romantic going on? Or is it merely a farewell homage? After all, Blinken’s term will conclude in just a few weeks when Donald Trump assumes the U.S. presidency on January 20. Baerbock will remain in office a bit longer, as Germany’s next election isn’t until February 23. If she’s no longer part of the new government, perhaps the two would have time for each other then.
