Germany's Chancellor-Elect Friedrich Merz Signals Shift Toward European Defense Independence
Merz's election victory marks a dramatic pivot in German foreign policy, with calls for reduced reliance on the U.S. and a stronger European defense framework.
- Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's CDU/CSU alliance, emphasized the need for Europe to reduce its reliance on U.S. security guarantees following his election victory.
- Merz criticized U.S. interference in the German election, including actions by Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk, which he described as unprecedented and damaging.
- The incoming chancellor has proposed a significant increase in defense spending and a potential overhaul of Germany's constitutional 'debt brake' to fund expanded military capabilities.
- Merz has expressed openness to closer defense cooperation with the UK and France, including discussions about nuclear capabilities, signaling a shift toward European strategic autonomy.
- The election outcome has prompted discussions about a coalition government with the Social Democrats, with migration and fiscal policies expected to be key negotiation points.
i 
The Philadelphia Inquirer 
The Guardian 
Hindustan Times 
POLITICO 
Boston Globe 
Deutsche Welle 
