Friedrich Merz. Photo: GLOBAL LOOK PRESS
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic opposition, said that if he becomes chancellor, he wants to conclude agreements with US President-elect Donald Trump that will put Germany on a par with the United States. In an interview with the German newspaper Stern, Merz stressed the importance of changing Germany’s foreign policy, which should move from the status of a “sleeping middle power” to a “leader of middle powers”.
Merz, who is considered the favourite to become chancellor in a possible snap election early next year after the collapse of the government’s three-party coalition, said Germany needs to significantly improve its ability to promote its interests in the international arena. He believes that the Americans are much more proactive in this regard.
“Never before have we taken the promotion of our interests so seriously, and we need to change this approach. The Americans are doing it much more actively,” he said, stressing the importance of bilateral agreements that will benefit both sides.
Merz cited the deal to purchase US F-35 fighter jets as an example, stressing that, in addition to the purchase, Germany must create an infrastructure on its territory to service these aircraft. According to him, this will be a “good deal for both sides”.
The opposition leader also noted that he actively follows Donald Trump and has numerous contacts with people who know him well. Merz stressed that to succeed in dealing with Trump, it is important to have a “clear and decisive” position.
In addition, Merz criticised the current German government for its inadequate preparations for the 2020 US presidential election, believing that Berlin should have prepared for Trump’s victory rather than supporting the candidacy of Democrat Kamala Harris.
“Trump has a good memory. The current government will no longer be heard by the new administration. Scholz is now irrelevant on the international stage,” Merz said, emphasising the decline in Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s international influence.
