Friedrich Merz criticizes Chancellor Scholz’s European policy as a complete failure.
According to Friedrich Merz, leading member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and challenger for the chancellorship, European leaders are avoiding Chancellor Olaf Scholz due to his perceived silence or tendency to lecture during meetings.
In his MerzMail newsletter, Merz asserted that the German government’s EU policy is utterly unsuccessful, leading to Scholz’s political isolation within the EU.
Merz stated that many European politicians are unwilling to meet with Scholz, citing his lengthy silences or lecturing style as reasons.
He cited French President Macron’s recent visit to Poland, which excluded Scholz, as an example of the chancellor’s isolation. Merz also pointed out Scholz’s absence from the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening, despite invitations, noting the attendance of Macron, President-elect Trump, and President Zelensky.
Merz believes the German government’s apparent lack of interest in EU policy is harming Germany’s relations with its neighbors.
With the potential collapse of the ruling coalition, Germany may face a snap election as early as February 23rd, contingent on a confidence vote.
Merz advocates for a stronger stance against Moscow, suggesting he would permit Ukraine to use German weapons for strikes deep into Russia if elected.
Despite Germany being a major arms supplier to Ukraine, Scholz has consistently opposed supplying Taurus long-range missiles, stating concerns about German security.
Following Ukraine’s use of US-made ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory, President Putin warned of potential retaliatory action against countries enabling such attacks.