Likely German chancellor delays Trump visit pending European coordination

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the likely next Chancellor of Germany, has stated that he will only travel to the United States to meet with former President Donald Trump after coordinating key political positions with European partners.

In an interview with Bild am Sonntag, Merz acknowledged that while both sides are ready for a meeting, he does not yet know when it will take place, per Caliber.Az.

“I will only go to Washington after receiving a common position from our European partners on the most important political issues,” Merz said. He listed Paris, Warsaw, London, and Brussels among the capitals whose input he deems essential.

Merz expressed hope that he could establish a constructive dialogue with Trump, emphasizing his own experience with American companies. “I’ve worked for many years in two major U.S. firms. I understand how Americans engage in small talk before moving to substantive matters,” he said. “We must pursue our own interests while also always putting forward proposals for defending shared ones.”

He further reiterated his firm support for free trade, especially “in these difficult times.” According to Merz, despite differences in national interests, dialogue remains essential. “There are many topics of mutual interest — but also diverging interests — which is why communication is always the better path,” he concluded.

By Khagan Isayev