Overview

• 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.