Chancellor and CDU party leader Friedrich Merk invoked the transatlantic alliance at the start of the federal party convention in Stuttgart, while also calling for greater independence.
He said the United States must remain a friend, noting that America itself is beginning to lose its role as a “reliable tempo‑setter”. According to Merk, Germany and Europe now need to adapt to this fresh reality.
On the Ukraine war, he again warned against appeasement, claiming that “those who follow naïve pacifism today are encouraging the wars of tomorrow”. Merk also pointed to a supposed Greenland conflict as an example that Europe can achieve results if it stays united.
In terms of actions he deems necessary, Merk stresses the importance of investing in defence to avoid being “black‑mailed”. Simultaneously, he insists that Germany and Europe must rebuild their economic strength.
