Enter the Boss

New German chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to thwart Donald Trump from diminishing Europe into a sideshow

- BY ANITA PRATAP

CAN FRIEDRICH MERZ, the new German chancellor, spark a 'Sputnik' moment in Europe? In 1957, the Soviet Union launched the world's first earth-orbiting satellite, shattering the US grandeur of tech supremacy. American president John F. Kennedy immediately mobilised his "moonshot" programme, which culminated in the US landing on the moon in 1969. A "giant leap" indeed for mankind.

Few expect Merz, 69, to lead Europe to such glory. But there is anticipation that he may herald a significant turning point in the continent. His very first proclamation after the election victory portends the winds of change: “Europe has to be independent of the United States,” he declared. The bombshell made headlines because he—and Europe—have consistently been pro-America. Says political analyst Nahal Toosi, “Merz’s attitude now is ‘How can we punish the United States?’”

Merz’s about-turn was provoked by President Donald Trump who peppered Europe with insults and snubs, and threats to impose tariffs, seize Greenland, ditch Ukraine and meddle in elections. Trump's destabilisation of the world order undermines the European Union's geopolitical status, economic interests and social cohesion. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen observed, “The west, as we knew it, no longer exists.”

Though Merz’s conservative Christian Democratic Union and its ally Christian Social Union won the elections in February, Merz was appointed chancellor only in May because the complicated coalition formation negotiations dragged on for months, which is typical in Germany. But even as chancellor-in-waiting, Merz backed his call for independence from the US with historic action.