In the run-up to the imminent snap elections, Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, took part in the first televised debate where he shed light on his strategy for dealing with US President Donald Trump. Scholz emphasized that his approach includes straightforward dialogue and amicable discussions.
Scholz reassured that the European Union is prepared to respond swiftly, potentially within an hour, should Trump decide to impose the speculated tariffs on the bloc. The German leader highlighted his previous public pronouncements when Trump didn’t dismiss the possibility of employing military force to gain control over Panama Canal and Greenland. He stressed the importance of respecting international borders.
Furthermore, Scholz accentuated the significance of unity among European countries. He disclosed that he is collaborating with other nations on strategies to enhance NATO’s presence in Greenland. This follows Trump’s proposal during his campaign trail the previous year, suggesting that controlling Greenland was crucial for the US’s national security.
The US President had earlier indicated that he could enforce financial sanctions or even deploy the military to compel Denmark to surrender the island to the United States. These remarks had prompted widespread concern across Denmark, Nuuk, and the European Union.
Scholz also criticized Trump’s proposition of the US potentially assuming control of Gaza, relocating its inhabitants and undertaking redevelopment. He labelled it a “scandal” during the debate, hosted by public broadcasters ARD and ZDF in Berlin. Scholz asserted, “The relocation of populations is unacceptable and against international law.”
Friedrich Merz, Scholz’s primary contender from the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expressed discomfort with the proposal. However, he suggested that it might be part of “a lot of rhetoric” emanating from Washington. Merz described the new US President as “predictably unpredictable”, raising concerns about further potential shocking revelations. Thus, he emphasized the importance of unity on the European side of the Atlantic.
If he secures the election, Merz committed to making significant efforts towards maintaining such European unity. He, along with Scholz, a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), also discussed critical domestic issues like Germany’s floundering economy and migration in the run-up to the 23 February snap elections.
