Election winner Merz rules out nuclear arsenal for Germany

Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and likely future Chancellor of Germany, ruled out the possibility of Germany possessing its own nuclear weapons in an interview with Deutschlandfunk.

Merz stated that he intends to discuss with France and the United Kingdom the issue of European defence through their nuclear forces, Caliber.Az reports via German media.

"Joint use of nuclear weapons is a topic that we need to discuss," he said. However, he emphasised that French and British nuclear forces would merely complement the "nuclear umbrella" provided by the United States.

"Germany cannot and should not possess nuclear weapons," Merz concluded.

To recall, Friedrich Merz took a significant step toward forming a government after successful exploratory talks with the SPD on March 8. The talks aim to revive Germany’s economy and strengthen its military with a bold spending plan. The new government, expected by mid-April, will focus on limiting immigration, increasing defence funding, and addressing economic stagnation.

Merz's government plans to invest hundreds of billions in defence and infrastructure, disregarding Germany's debt restrictions, with a proposed 500-billion-euro fund. The ambitious proposals will require broad political support, including cooperation from the Greens, and aim to combat recession and enhance Germany's role in Europe’s security amidst shifting US policies.

By Aghakazim Guliyev