Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative bloc in Germany, considered his victory in the legislative elections held on Sunday to be a sign that Europe must strengthen its defense capabilities amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over Ukraine and NATO funding.
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Merz stated, "For me, the absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe’s power as quickly as possible so that we can, step by step, achieve independence from the United States on defense matters."
In a televised debate with other prominent candidates after the elections, he added, "After Donald Trump’s statements last week, it is clear that the Americans are largely indifferent to Europe's fate."
Exit polls conducted by Germany's First and Second TV channels revealed a significant lead for the Christian Union in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, followed by the Alternative for Germany party, which outpaced Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party and the Green Party.
According to projections from the two channels, the Christian Union (composed of the Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union) is expected to secure between 28.5% and 29% of the vote, a better result than the 24.1% it received in the 2021 elections.
The Alternative for Germany party also managed to double its result, with expectations of winning between 19.5% and 20%, compared to 10.4% in 2021.
Relations with the U.S.
Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union, noted that he had no illusions "about what will come from America."
He continued, "I am very curious to see what will happen between now and the NATO summit at the end of June," but questioned whether "we will continue talking about the alliance in its current form or if we need to establish an independent European defense force more quickly."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulated Merz on his victory in a post on X, saying, "I look forward to working with you at this critical moment for our common security," emphasizing that "it is essential for Europe to increase its defense spending, and your leadership will be crucial."
Merz also repeated his condemnation of "the recent interventions in the German elections by Elon Musk," the U.S. president’s adviser. The billionaire, a major Trump ally, strongly supported the pro-Russia Alternative for Germany party, which is described as far-right.
