BERLIN, February 28. /TASS/. Friedrich Merz, a candidate for Chancellor of Germany from the CDU/CSU bloc and a likely future head of government, has stated that he sees no justification for Germany to develop its own nuclear weapons.
"In my opinion, there are no grounds for that today," he told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung when asked if Germany should at least consider acquiring nuclear weapons in the future.
"Currently, we have what is known as a nuclear exchange with the Americans. Whether we can pursue a similar arrangement with France or Britain is a question I want to address in coalition talks and with our partners in Europe, the EU, and NATO," Merz emphasized. He also noted that he had not yet discussed this matter with French President Emmanuel Macron during his recent visit to Paris, particularly regarding whether Germany should rely not only on the U.S. but also on support from Paris and London for nuclear deterrence. According to Merz, the French proposal to explore a common nuclear umbrella for Europe is not a new idea. "Now the situation has changed again, and therefore we should reconsider this issue together," he stated.
At the same time, the CDU leader pointed out that "articles 4 and 5 of the NATO Treaty concerning consultation and assistance remain unchanged, meaning that Germany’s nuclear cooperation with the Americans continues as before."
"But here too, let us hope for the best while being prepared for the worst," Merz concluded.