Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, signaled a bold shift in the nation’s foreign policy, emphasising a leading role for Germany in Europe amid growing uncertainty over the United States’ commitment to the transatlantic alliance. Speaking shortly after exit polls confirmed his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) had secured nearly 30 per cent of the vote in the snap federal election held on February 23, Merz declared that his top priority would be to strengthen Europe’s independence, potentially marking a seismic pivot in Germany’s postwar reliance on American leadership.

Merz, a 69-year-old conservative and longtime advocate of transatlantic ties, surprised many with his candid assessment of the changing global landscape. “My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can achieve real independence from the United States,” he said in a press conference in Berlin. He pointed to the incoming Trump administration’s “America First” rhetoric and its potential to distance itself from NATO as a wake-up call for Europe. “It would be unacceptable if the Americans strike a deal with Russia over the heads of Europeans and Ukraine,” Merz added, referencing concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on negotiating an end to the Ukraine conflict.

The chancellor-in-waiting’s vision includes a more assertive Germany within the European Union, a stance that could reshape the bloc’s dynamics. Merz vowed to repair strained relations with key allies such as France and Poland, ensuring Berlin’s voice is heard louder in Brussels. “Germany must be reliable again; we will make decisions and stick to them,” he said, criticising the infighting that plagued outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition. He also called for Europe to streamline its fragmented military procurement, currently managing 178 weapons systems compared to the U.S.’s 30, to bolster its defense capabilities independently of Washington.

This shift comes at a critical time for Germany, Europe’s largest economy, which has been grappling with industrial decline, a faltering energy transition, and rising domestic discontent over immigration. Merz’s election win reflects a public demand for decisive leadership, though his coalition talks with parties such as the Greens or the Free Democrats will test his ability to deliver on these ambitious promises. Analysts see his remarks as a signal that Germany intends to step out of its historically cautious role and lead Europe through an era of geopolitical upheaval, potentially redefining the continent’s relationship with both the U.S. and Russia. As Merz prepares to take office in the coming weeks, the world watches to see if Germany can rise to this self-imposed challenge.