Key facts
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Europe's security is entering a decisive phase.
- Merz criticized the new US National Security Strategy as unacceptable from a European perspective.
- Merz called for Europe to become more independent of the United States in security policy.
- Merz vowed to maintain Germany's policy towards Russia and its support for Ukraine.
- The CDU and CSU are polling at 18%-20% nationally, significantly behind the AfD.
- A majority of CDU supporters no longer believe Merz is the right person for the job.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Europe's security should be the priority over political debates about his own future, stating that the continent's protection is entering a critical stage. Merz's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) have faced recent electoral setbacks, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) performing strongly in state elections. Nationally, the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, are polling between 18% and 20%, significantly behind the AfD. Confidence in Merz has also weakened within his own party, with a majority of CDU supporters reportedly no longer believing he is the right person for the job.
Merz criticized the new US National Security Strategy, unveiled last week, calling certain components "unacceptable to us from a European perspective." He argued that Europe needs to become more independent of the United States in security policy, stating that while 'America first' is acceptable, 'America alone' is not in US interests. He vowed to maintain Germany's policy towards Russia and its support for Ukraine, despite the internal political pressure.
A special meeting of senior conservative party figures has been called for Sunday to discuss the electoral setbacks, chart a course amid record low support, and demonstrate unity behind Merz's leadership ahead of further votes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.