Markus Söder, the Bavarian premier and CSU chair, warned against a rupture with the United States, saying the fate of the U.S.-Europe relationship is the most critical issue. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference for the TV network “Welt”, he praised the German chancellor’s stance for strengthening the bloc but stressed that Europe cannot afford to break ties with America.
“Europe is nowhere close to being able to stand on its own-militarily, security‑policy wise, digitally, or economically. That is why we need a steady, careful approach” Söder said. He urged restraint, advising that Germany should “keep a long‑term perspective, rely on wisdom, and not confront the Americans outright, but guide them in the right direction”. He likened the relationship to a small dent in a car; it can be fixed if one doesn’t “pull away too fast”.
Söder called the idea of relying solely on a French nuclear umbrella a “serious mistake”. He explained that France’s nuclear deterrent is too small and less well equipped than the American system. While acknowledging that French nuclear power could complement Germany’s security, he made clear that it cannot replace the United States. In regards to German nuclear responsibility, Söder firmly rejected the notion that Germany could bring nuclear weapons to the table, citing both legal hurdles and practical limitations.