A leading political scientist believes the conflict in Ukraine is shaping into a pivotal moment for German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, potentially akin to a defining period for former Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
Professor Herfried Münkler, speaking to “Stern” magazine, observed a discernible shift in Merz’s role, noting an assumption of leadership within the European context. This, he argues, is evidenced by both the impetus given to strengthening Germany’s military capabilities for national and collective defense and through a proactive engagement of key European partners – including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Labour leader Keir Starmer – regarding the situation in Ukraine.
Münkler anticipates this strategy will, in the medium term, contribute to a more structured political landscape within Europe, moving away from a consensus-based system requiring agreement among 27 member states. He suggests a shift towards a more defined “European leadership group” will emerge, ultimately addressing the long-standing question posed by former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger regarding a single point of contact for engaging with the continent. Kissinger previously lamented the difficulty in identifying a clear counterpart when seeking to communicate with Europe as a whole.