BERLIN — Friedrich Merz, the conservative front-runner to become Germany’s next chancellor, is signaling a tougher stance on transatlantic relations.
At the top of Merz’s agenda: concerns over Elon Musk’s growing political influence in Europe, in the run-up to Germany’s national election on Feb. 23.
In an interview with the Berliner Morgenpost, Christian Democratic Union boss Merz raised concerns over Musk’s relentless promotion of the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party, and said he planned to raise it with Musk’s boss: U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I have a clear opinion on this as well — and I will share it with him: I do not approve of someone in Trump’s orbit attempting such direct interference in Germany’s elections,” he said.
Since the snap election campaign kicked off in December, Musk has openly supported the AfD, endorsing the party on X, hosting a livestream with leader Alice Weidel and criticizing traditional mainstream parties. The German government has accused him of election interference and normalizing extremism.
Trade is another transatlantic flashpoint that is concerning Merz.
Trump has repeatedly floated tariffs on European goods, and Merz made clear that Germany wouldn’t take them lying down. “We will not accept tariffs being imposed for political reasons. If Trump does this, Europe must respond. I do not want a trade war, but if necessary, we will defend ourselves with our own tariffs,” he said.
Then there’s Ukraine. With Trump hinting at scaling back U.S. support, Merz is already laying the groundwork for damage control. “I hope we don’t get into that situation. We must convince the U.S. government that supporting Ukraine is in its own interest,” he added.
Asked whether his first chat with Trump would be confrontational, Merz dismissed the notion. “It will be an open discussion,” he said.