The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician Roderich Kiesewetter has escalated tensions between Germany and the United States, demanding diplomatic repercussions and a formal summons of U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Alan Meltzer following the recent U.S. sanctions imposed on individuals associated with the Berlin-based organization, HateAid.
Kiesewetter, a prominent voice on foreign policy within the CDU, argues that the German government should publicly condemn Washington’s actions and summon Meltzer to underscore the gravity of the situation. He framed the sanctions, which also target former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, not as isolated incidents but as part of a worrying trend undermining liberal democracy within the United States itself. Kiesewetter voiced concerns that the U.S. is sliding “in the direction of an oligarchic-autocratic system” echoing previous criticisms leveled against the Trump administration’s disregard for European interests and the rules-based international order.
Beyond the specific sanctions, Kiesewetter characterized the U.S. actions as a brazen interference in European sovereignty, alleging an attempt to circumvent European law and “intervene in democratic discourse through intimidation”. He further suggested that the move aligns with the perceived priorities outlined in the U.S. National Security Strategy, implicitly criticizing what he views as an increasingly assertive and unilateral American foreign policy.
The sanctions and Kiesewetter’s forceful response, highlight a deepening rift between Berlin and Washington at a time of global instability. With the position of U.S. Ambassador to Germany currently vacant, Alan Meltzer is serving as Deputy Chief of Mission, placing him in a particularly sensitive position to address the escalating diplomatic fallout. The incident raises profound questions about the limits of U.S. power and the potential chilling effect on transatlantic relations, particularly as it pertains to freedom of expression and the protection of democratic processes within Europe. The CDU’s stance reflects a growing unease within Germany regarding the direction of U.S. foreign policy and its implications for Europe’s strategic autonomy.
