Merz declares end of unconditional transatlantic friendship with US

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated at a campaign event that the era of 'unconditional transatlantic friendship' with the US is likely over for the foreseeable future, signaling a fundamental shift in German foreign policy. This marks a notable departure from decades of German-US alignment, though the statement is rhetorical and its policy implications remain unclear. The shift could affect NATO cohesion and European security arrangements.