Germany’s Merz Declares Independence from US: ‘We Are Partners, Not Followers’

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for greater European autonomy in security and defense, stressing the need to reduce dependency on external powers. Speaking at a recent address, Merz highlighted the importance of investing in Europe’s defense capabilities to safeguard regional interests.

Merz pointed to the European Union’s collective resistance against US-imposed tariffs as evidence of its resilience. “We have proven in the EU that we will not allow ourselves to be threatened by tariffs again,” he said, referencing the bloc’s successful pushback against US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff hikes.

The Chancellor also addressed Germany‘s military sacrifices, noting the loss of 59 soldiers in Afghanistan. “We will not let these efforts, from which the US itself has benefited, be mocked,” he asserted.

Merz issued a firm warning to those considering economic pressure against Europe: “Anyone who wants to use tariffs against Europe should know that we can defend ourselves if necessary. We will never accept the US ridiculing our global efforts. We are partners, not followers.”