Washington-bound Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces high expectations from both the ruling coalition and the opposition, as he prepares to meet with US President Donald Trump on Thursday.
The primary focus of the visit is expected to be the further strengthening of support for Ukraine, with the German government’s CDU foreign policy expert Jürgen Hardt stating that Putin’s drone attacks will be a strong argument in favor of this. The trip is also seen as a crucial preparation for the upcoming G7 and NATO summits this month.
SPD’s Siemtje Möller praised the visit as a timely and necessary step, expressing high expectations that Chancellor Merz will address the pressing issues of the day with confidence. The joint interests of Germany, Europe and the US in trade policy will be crucial, as the removal of trade barriers and the end of market uncertainty are sought. In the Palestinian issue, a ceasefire on both sides is the goal.
AfD’s Tino Chrupalla demanded that Chancellor Merz represent German and European interests in Washington, as a good listener and a tough negotiator, prioritizing the end of the Ukraine war with stable security guarantees and excluding further NATO expansion.
Grüne’s Agnieszka Brugger called for a confident approach from the Chancellor, emphasizing that the Trump administration often ignores the connection between European and Indo-Pacific security and that a strong Ukraine is essential for global security. She also urged Merz not to remain silent on recent attacks on justice, media and society in the US.
Linke’s Ines Schwerdtner warned Merz against being overly cautious, stating that Trump views Europe as a competitor, not an ally and that it would be fatal to approach the US as a supplicant. A European way of thinking is necessary and the government should not give the US an opportunity to dictate its policies.
Sahra Wagenknecht criticized Merz’s expected approach, saying that the government will likely fulfill Trump’s military demands and that there is no sign of a shift towards digital and energy independence.
FDP’s Christian Dürr expressed hope for a new phase of successful cooperation, emphasizing the need for joint efforts in ending wars and promoting fair global trade, with the recognition of a common Western value canon as a prerequisite.