Germanys Election Winner Criticizes Musk and Outlines Stance on Europe, NATO and Ukraine

 

Strengthening Europe’s Defense

The leader of the conservative bloc that won Germany’s recent parliamentary elections has emphasized the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities. Amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over Ukraine, Friedrich Merz stated, "My top priority will be strengthening Europe as quickly as possible to achieve independence from the United States in defense matters."

Speaking during a televised debate, Merz referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements, suggesting that the United States is largely indifferent to Europe’s fate.

According to exit polls conducted by Germany’s ARD and ZDF television channels, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), secured between 28.5% and 29% of the vote. This marks a significant improvement from the 24.1% they received in the 2021 elections. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party also saw substantial gains, doubling its previous results to reach an estimated 19.5% to 20% of the vote.

Relations with the United States

Merz made it clear that he has no illusions about the direction of U.S. foreign policy, especially in light of Trump’s statements. He expressed uncertainty about the future of NATO, particularly ahead of the alliance’s upcoming summit in June. He questioned whether NATO would continue in its current form or if Europe needed to establish its own independent defense force.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulated Merz on his victory in a post on X, emphasizing the need for increased European defense spending. "Your leadership will be crucial at this critical moment for our shared security," Rutte wrote.

Merz also strongly condemned what he called "foreign interference" in Germany’s elections. He criticized billionaire Elon Musk for backing AfD, a far-right party with pro-Russian leanings. "The interference from Washington was just as dramatic and blatant as the interference we have seen from Moscow," Merz stated, warning that Germany is under pressure from multiple directions.

Ukraine and Russia

On the topic of Ukraine, Merz argued that Germany and Europe have not provided enough support to Kyiv. "If we had done enough, this war would not have lasted for three years," he said. He expressed concerns about the potential shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine, particularly if Trump returns to power.

Merz warned that a direct Russian-American dialogue excluding Europe would be dangerous, emphasizing that Germany needs a government capable of responding rapidly. He also reaffirmed his opposition to forming a coalition with AfD, vowing to build a government that represents all Germans and addresses pressing national and international issues.

Related Articles

For more insights on Germany’s political landscape, check out these sources:

• Germany’s CDU Secures Victory in Parliamentary Elections
• How Alternative for Germany is Shaping the Country’s Politics
• Alice Weidel: The Far-Right Leader Seeking Influence