“Security -political free -ride”: Chancellor Merz wants to reduce European dependence on the United States

According to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), Europe must be defended by more investments more independent of the USA make.

The reservations in the United States against Europe should finally be cleared, in particular the reservations “against ours Safety -political free -range driving“, Said Merz at the Industry Day in Berlin. The Americans would have accepted these over many decades -“ no longer ”.

Even after a new change of government, the United States would not return to old thinking, Merz said. “We Europeans have to make ourselves stronger. We have to get stronger.” The Europeans would have to concentrate on their strengths and eliminate their weaknesses step by step.

Merz made it clear that in his view of the Defense struggle of Ukraine against Russia “Given the very rigid attitude of the Russian regime” still take some time could. “Our perseverance is not only military, but above all politically in demand.” It is important to defend our freedom: against sabotage, against cyber attacks, against fake news, against attempts to destabilize our country and against all attempts to divide Europe.

Merz considers “elements of conscription” to be likely

Merz also considers it likely that the Reintroduction of a compulsory compulsory in Germany It is necessary to enable the planned magnification of the Bundeswehr. “We will probably not (…) not get there with the current voluntariness, but will need additional elements of conscription,” he said.

He called on the companies to give their employees the opportunity to take part in exercises as reservists. “The Bundeswehr has to go back to the middle of our society,” said the Chancellor. “It was a mistake – As we know today at the latest – to suspend conscription. “ However, it could not be inserted as it was. How exactly he would imagine a new compulsory conscription, Merz did not say.

The compulsory military service was suspended in 2011, but is continue to be anchored in the Basic Law. It can be reintroduced with a simple majority of the Union and SPD government coalition. However, the Social Democrats first want to rely on voluntariness. So it is also stipulated in the coalition agreement.

However, the Union penetrates as soon as possible whether the aim of the Bundeswehr is possible on the basis of voluntariness. The Defense Minister estimates the need 50,000 to 60,000 additional soldiers – There are currently a little more than 180,000.