Merz pledges Germany’s leadership in unified European strategy for Trump era

CDU leader Friedrich Merz, widely regarded as the frontrunner to become Germany’s next chancellor, has pledged to lead Europe in crafting a unified approach to Donald Trump’s presidency. He rejected claims that relations with the United States would be dominated by ‘Europe’s far-right.’

Following his inauguration on Monday, Trump issued several presidential orders, including the United States’ withdrawal from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization.

Merz, expected to become chancellor after Germany’s elections on 23 February, urged European allies to “develop a common strategy” to face these challenges collectively.

“Germany must take a leading role,” Merz told German broadcaster Deutschlandfunk on Tuesday. “Europeans are waiting for Germany,” he added.

Merz has previously criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) for perceived passivity during EU summits and for failing to initiate collaborative European action.

He emphasized that under Germany’s leadership, Europe could unify around “common interests” and leverage its market of 450 million people to address international challenges effectively. This, according to Merz, would create a platform to offer Trump a balanced deal while confronting his challenges to international trade and European security.

Despite Trump inviting numerous far-right European officials, such as Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, to his inauguration on Monday, Merz expressed confidence that these figures would not dominate US-Europe relations.

“That doesn’t mean Donald Trump won’t have sensible discussions with everyone else when it comes to American interests,” Merz stated.

Merz’s comments came after reports that he had sent Trump a letter congratulating him on his “truly remarkable” victory and expressing his willingness to “open a new chapter in our relations.”