Markus Söder, the Bavarian premier and chairman of the CSU, warned sharply at the Munich Security Conference, even in the face of internal differences, that Germany must avoid a rupture with the United States. “The most important question is how the U.S.-Europe relationship will develop” he told the TV channel Welt. “That is the key to the strength and security of Europeans”. He said the federal chancellor’s message had set a positive tone, aiming to make Germany stronger, but that it was “essential for me to ensure we do not split with America”. He added that Europe is “by no means capable on its own-militarily, in security policy, digitally or economically”.
Söder’s advice was to exercise patience, wisdom and restraint, to avoid rushing into confrontation with the U.S. but to steer the direction gradually, likening the relationship to a “relationship box”: “There is a small dent, yes. But you should not pull out too quickly; you should look first to patch it up again”.
He called it a serious mistake to rely solely on a French nuclear umbrella. “I do not think it is a smart idea to depend only on France – sorry. The French shield is too small and not as well equipped as the American one”. He sees French nuclear weapons as a potential complement, but only in coordination with the United States. On the idea of German nuclear responsibility, Söder made it clear that Germany cannot bring nuclear weapons into play; it would be too burdensome and, most importantly, unlawful.
