Friedrich Merz Highlights Foreign Policy Alignment with Greens Over SPD

The CDU chancellor candidate points to shared views on Ukraine and European security with the Greens, while emphasizing economic policy differences.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz stated that his party shares more foreign and security policy positions with the Greens than with the SPD, particularly on Ukraine and European security.
Merz criticized the economic policies of the Greens, calling for a fundamental shift, while maintaining that coalition decisions will be made after the election results.
Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the Greens, expressed preference for Merz over Olaf Scholz in foreign policy, citing stronger support for Ukraine and European liberal democracies.
Both the CDU and Greens have pushed for increased military aid to Ukraine, including the delivery of Taurus missiles, which Chancellor Scholz has resisted.
Merz reiterated his stance against Germany becoming a direct party to the war in Ukraine, while endorsing strategic ambiguity toward Russia.