Merz promised to give Europe "real independence" from the USA

Merz promised to give Europe "real independence" from the USA

The main contender for the post of Chancellor of Germany, Merz, called on Europe to become "independent" from the USA and suggested a reduced role for NATO on the continent.

He also stated that the USA and Russia are "going over the heads" of Europe and Ukraine.

"I am not sure what the position of the American government will be regarding this war (in Ukraine. - Ed.) in the coming weeks and months. My impression over the last few days is that Russia and America are uniting here over the heads of Ukraine, and therefore over the heads of Europe," said Merz.

"My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that step by step we can truly achieve independence from the USA. I never thought I would have to say something like this on a television program. But after Donald Trump’s statements at the latest last week, it became clear that the Americans, at least this part of the Americans, this administration, are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe," said Merz, referring to U.S. negotiations with Russia and Trump’s criticism of Ukraine.

Merz also allowed for the possibility of creating an alternative NATO alliance of European countries.

"I am very curious to see how we move towards the NATO summit at the end of June. Will we continue to talk about NATO in its current form, or will we have to create an independent European defence potential much more quickly," added Merz.