Friedrich Merz’s Foreign Policy Plans

By Sarah Marsh and Andreas Rinke

BERLIN (Reuters) – German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, a strong contender for next chancellor, spoke on Thursday about his desire to regain the trust of vital allies and make Berlin more assertive globally.

He emphasized that U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for Europe to take more responsibility in its defense present a major opportunity for the continent.

Merz noted that Germany’s partners have faced challenges in strategizing with Berlin due to internal discord within Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-way coalition. This infighting led to the coalition’s collapse late last year, resulting in a snap election on February 23, where Merz’s conservatives are likely to perform strongly.

If he becomes Chancellor, Merz intends to establish a national security council within the chancellery to unify foreign, development, and defense policies across various ministries. He stated, “The times when European partners received different answers from Berlin must be a thing of the past.”

At 69, Merz brings experience as a former deputy in the European Parliament (1989-1994). He expects all cabinet members to participate in EU Council meetings to enhance Germany’s representation.

He emphasized that all ministers and deputy ministers would be required to speak English. The cornerstone of his government includes reliability and commitment to decisions made.

Improving European Relations

Merz highlighted the importance of mending relationships with key European allies, particularly by improving communication with Poland and coordinating better with France.

He proposed ending restrictions on weapons deliveries to Israel, asserting that Germany must unequivocally support Israel moving forward. He stated, “Germany is not caught between two stools; Germany stands firmly on the side of Israel.”

He also called for military procurement reforms in Europe to enhance efficacy; currently, European nations manage 178 weapons systems compared to the 30 in the U.S. He stated, “These redundancies cost a lot of money and waste potential.”

Trade and Strategic Discussions

Responding to Trump’s comments about Greenland, Merz downplayed them as a focus on the Arctic island’s strategic significance. He also urged the U.S. and the EU to finalize a trade deal to avoid tariffs that could adversely affect both economies.

Merz’s firm position points to a potential shift in Germany’s foreign policy, emphasizing reliability and stronger alliances within Europe.