LONDON — Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the likely next chancellor, has signaled a dramatic shift in Germany’s relationship with the United States. Speaking in a post-election debate, Merz vowed to prioritize European independence from the US, citing the Trump administration’s apparent willingness to overturn decades of transatlantic policy and potentially abandon security guarantees for Europe.
“My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA,” Merz declared on Sunday, just as the final votes in Germany’s election were being counted.
Merz’s comments reflect growing concerns in Europe over the Trump administration’s approach to NATO and its commitment to European security. “I never thought I would have to say something like this on a television program,” Merz admitted. “But after Donald Trump’s statements last week, it is clear that the Americans, at least this part of the Americans, this administration, are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe.”
The CDU emerged as the largest party in Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, with 28.6% of the vote, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz came in third. Merz’s victory marks a significant political shift in Germany, with implications for its role in Europe and its relationship with the US.
The Trump administration has long criticized European NATO members for not contributing enough to defense spending and has urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security. Last week, Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, reiterated this stance, stating, “It is unacceptable that the United States and the United States taxpayer continue to bear the burden not only of the cost of the war in Ukraine but of the defense of Europe.”
Merz also raised the possibility of rethinking NATO’s role, suggesting that Europe may need to establish an independent defense capability. “I am very curious to see how we are heading toward the NATO summit at the end of June,” he said. “Whether we will still be talking about NATO in its current form or whether we will have to establish an independent European defense capability much more quickly.”
The election also saw a historic surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which doubled its previous vote share to become the second-largest party in the Bundestag. This marks the strongest showing for a far-right party in Germany since World War II.
AfD co-chair Alice Weidel celebrated the result, telling supporters, “We have achieved a historic result. We have never been stronger in the federal parliament. We have become the second strongest force as Alternative for Germany. And we have now firmly established ourselves as a people's party.”
The AfD’s rise has been bolstered by endorsements from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk, who predicted on social media that it was “only a matter of time” until the party wins an election.
As Germany prepares for a new era under Merz’s leadership, the country’s relationship with the US and its role in European security are set to undergo significant changes. Merz’s call for European independence reflects a broader recalibration of transatlantic ties, with implications for NATO, European defense, and the geopolitical landscape.
The election results and Merz’s statements underscore a growing sentiment in Europe that the continent must take greater control of its future, particularly in light of shifting US priorities under the Trump administration.
