- Chancellor Merz warned that freedom is under threat in the era of great powers.
- According to Merz, a political rift has arisen between Europe and the USA.
- Germany continues to rely on the US nuclear umbrella within NATO.
- The chancellor called for the renewal of the transatlantic partnership and joint global solutions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday in his speech at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) pointed out that freedom is increasingly threatened in the era of great power politics and that countries should be ready to make sacrifices. According to him, a “rift” has arisen between the United States and Europe. At the same time, he confirmed that he is negotiating with French President Emmanuel Macron on nuclear deterrence. TASR informs about it according to the report of the AFP agency.
“Our freedom is not guaranteed,” stated Merz, according to which it is necessary to prepare for changes and for “revolutionary sacrifices, and yes, even sacrifices”.
According to the Chancellor, he held confidential negotiations with Macron on the European nuclear deterrent. He said that Berlin will abide by its legal obligations, referring to the 1990 international agreement on German reunification, according to the DPA. AFP reminds that Germany based on contractual obligations, it cannot acquire its own nuclear weapons. Therefore, it relies on the nuclear umbrella of the United States through its participation in NATO.
A gap in speech he also spoke of the “rift” between the US and Europe, sharply distinguishing their political direction and stating that “the culture war of the MAGA movement is not ours”. referring to US President Donald Trump’s informal “Make America Great Again” movement.
He rejected tariffs and protectionism in favor of free trade, reaffirmed his support for climate agreements and the World Health Organization (WHO), and noted that global challenges can only be solved together. Since taking office, Trump has imposed tariffs on US trading partners and decided to withdraw the US from dozens of international organizations, including the WHO.
The chancellor called for a “new transatlantic partnership” between the US and Europe. “In an era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be strong enough to handle it alone,” he said. “Dear friends, being part of NATO is not only a competitive advantage for Europe. It is also a competitive advantage for the United States. So let’s work together to restore and revive transatlantic trust. We Europeans are doing our part.” he added.
