Incoming German chancellor dismisses nuclear option

Germany will not pursue the development or acquisition of nuclear weapons, as stated by incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is advocating for enhanced collaboration with France and the UK on deterrence efforts.

In a Sunday interview with Deutschlandfunk radio, Merz emphasized that “Germany will not be able or allowed to possess nuclear weapons itself,” pointing out that such possession is prohibited by law. He highlighted the significance of the 2+4 Treaty of 1990, which he mentioned as the latest legal framework in which Germany explicitly renounced nuclear weapons. “The most recent [document] is the 2+4 Treaty of 1990, in which Germany explicitly renounced possessing nuclear weapons. And that will remain the case,” he affirmed.

The treaty, formally known as the 'Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany', established the legal foundation for the reunification of West and East Germany. It also includes provisions against the deployment of foreign armed forces, nuclear weapons, or their carriers in Berlin and the former East German regions.

Despite this stance, Merz has indicated a desire for increased nuclear cooperation with NATO allies, specifically mentioning the need for discussions with Britain and France. “We must also become stronger together in nuclear coverage in Europe,” he stated.

Recently, he proposed that the UK and France might extend their nuclear protection to Germany, reflecting on the current tensions between Russia and NATO concerning Ukraine. Following these comments, French President Emmanuel Macron responded that he had “decided to open a strategic debate on protecting our allies on the European continent through a nuclear deterrent.”

These discussions occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions within NATO, particularly between European members and the administration of US President Donald Trump regarding the situation in Ukraine. Trump has consistently called for European NATO members to enhance their self-defense capabilities instead of relying heavily on the US.

In line with this, Macron has urged EU member states to significantly increase their defense expenditures while labeling Russia a “threat.”

In reaction to Macron's statements, Russia has condemned his speech, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov likening Macron to historical figures such as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, both of whom endeavored to conquer Russia but ultimately failed.

Ian Smith for TROIB News