Tue Feb 25 10:28:00 UTC 2025: ## German CDU Leader Calls for European Defence Independence After US Election Win

**Berlin** – Friedrich Merz, the newly elected leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has called for greater European security independence from the United States following a narrow victory in Sunday’s federal election. His comments come amidst strained transatlantic relations and uncertainty surrounding US support for Ukraine.

Merz, who secured the CDU’s lowest vote share since 1949, criticized US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that the current US administration shows little concern for Europe’s fate. He further echoed concerns raised by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s demand that European nations significantly increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP.

Merz’s victory, while narrow (28.6% of the vote), sets the stage for coalition talks with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). However, significant policy differences threaten the formation of a stable government. While both Merz and SPD leader Olaf Scholz agree on boosting German manufacturing competitiveness, they clash on crucial issues including defence spending, welfare policies, and immigration.

A key point of contention is the provision of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine. While Merz has previously supported their deployment, Scholz has firmly resisted. Merz’s call for a stronger European defence capability, possibly even replacing NATO, has raised eyebrows given the public’s divided opinion on military aid to Ukraine and internal CDU-SPD disagreements.

Experts are divided on Merz’s approach. Some believe his focus on European defence autonomy is a necessary response to shifting US policy, while others warn that increased European defence spending could come at a significant economic cost and potentially lead to closer ties with countries like China, a move counter to US strategic interests.

The formation of a CDU-SPD coalition faces several hurdles, including disagreements on the German deficit ceiling and immigration policies. The rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which doubled its vote share to 20.8%, further complicates the political landscape. Both the CDU and SPD have ruled out cooperating with the AfD.

Despite the challenges, the need for a stronger European defence is becoming increasingly apparent, with analysts suggesting that increased European autonomy could strengthen, rather than weaken, NATO. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Merz can successfully navigate the political complexities and form a stable government that addresses Germany’s domestic and international challenges.

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