German Chancellor Merz says relations with the US are undergoing fundamental changes — Anadolu Agency
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in Berlin that the country’s relations with the United States are undergoing fundamental changes. At a campaign event of his party, the Christian Democratic Union, he said that the period of “unconditional transatlantic friendship” will likely end in the near future, Anadolu Agency reports.
A shift in approaches within the transatlantic alliance
According to the Tagesspiegel newspaper, cited by the agency, Merz spoke of a change in the political position on the other side of the Atlantic, as well as a changed assessment of the transatlantic alliance. According to him, such developments may not have been expected previously.
The speech took place three days before the vote in the German capital. The chancellor noted that Germany must take advantage of the situation that has arisen and assume greater responsibility. As an example, he cited the government’s substantial increase in defense spending.
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Disputes with the Trump administration
According to Anadolu Agency, Merz’s relations with US President Donald Trump have deteriorated because of the chancellor’s criticism of the US war in Iran, as well as amid trade disputes. Earlier this month, Merz canceled a planned telephone conversation with Trump over his support for the right-wing Alternative for Germany party.
Alternative for Germany received the most votes of any party in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt held earlier this month.
