Friedrich Merz: Hope bearer for Europe or just a chancellor on trial?

Friedrich Merz: Hope bearer for Europe or just a chancellor on trial?

In the middle of the political upheavals in Germany, the exploratory talks between the Union and the SPD have started. These discussions are the first step towards the formation of a new government, while the incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz continues to run the business. However, there are great international expectations behind the scenes of Friedrich Merz, the head of the CDU, who is considered a potential leader. In this context, the Lithuanian foreign politician Žygimantas Pavilionis expressed his hope for a strong role of Merz ’in the international environment and in German politics.

Pavilionis, the Vice-President of the Foreign Committee in Lithuania Parliament and former US ambassador, sees an important partner in an active Germany in the intensifying geopolitical tensions, especially with a view to Russia. He emphasizes that the United States and NATO want a stronger leadership of Merz because they consider it a united leader. Pavilionis also appeals to Berlin to show more commitment in the context of the Ukraine War, and wonders why Germany is not reacting faster to current threats.

Merz 'trip abroad to France

Friedrich Merz recently traveled to Paris for a confidential dinner with President Emmanuel Macron. This was Merz ’first trip abroad after his Bundestag election. During the three-hour conversation in the Élysée Palace, the details of which were not published, Merz spoke about Franco-German relations and the need to deepen them. He thanked Macron for the trust that France set in Germany and emphasized that both countries can achieve great things for Europe.

The meetings between Macron and Merz come at a critical time after Macron had previously discussed with Donald Trump in the USA about relations with Europe and Ukraine. Merz in particular pursues the goal of changing the passive foreign policy perceived by the incumbent federal government and developing Germany from a "sleeping middle power" into a "leading middle power".

Return of the Weimar triangle

A central point in Merz 'strategy is the revival of the "Weimar triangle", which promotes cooperation between Germany, France and Poland. Almut Möller from the EPC think tank demands an extended cooperation between these countries as well as the Nordic countries and the Baltic States, which are particularly vulnerable due to the pressure of Russia. The participating diplomats see the need for a quick government formation in Germany, for which Merz Easter specifies as a target date.

In this context, defense issues are also important. Lithuania sees Germany as an important defense partner, especially through the planned structure of a Bundeswehr brigade in the region. Pavilionis expresses concern about possible attacks from Russia and the strategic vulnerability of the Suwalki gap. Here it becomes clear that Merz ’commitment and strategy aim not only on national, but also to European security topics.

The plans of Merz appear particularly important against the background of the debates on the support of Ukraine and possible military options in the EU. While the different opinions within the EU are discussed on the role of Germany in these questions, Merz sees cooperation with his French counterpart Macron as the key to strengthening Germany's role in Europe.