Chancellor visits Bundeswehr: Germany have to be “capable of fighting tonight,” says Merz | EUROtoday

Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) praised the Bundeswehr’s progress, however known as for additional efforts to enhance deterrence and protection capabilities. “The entire Bundeswehr is in a state of upheaval. We must be ready for deterrence and defense here and now, capable of ‘Fight Tonight’,” stated the Chancellor throughout a go to to the troops in Munster, Lower Saxony. “At the same time, we have to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow and the day after. This will continue to require great effort.”

Merz expressly emphasised the significance of the transatlantic army alliance with the USA. However, he didn’t go into element about President Donald Trump’s announcement of a potential discount in US troops in Germany. “What the Bundeswehr is doing here in Munster is not only impressive, but it is an important and indispensable contribution to a strong, united NATO,” stated Merz. This will likely be accomplished in Munster but in addition at different strategically vital areas in Germany, facet by facet with the USA and the allies all through NATO.

It is an efficient signal that the commanding basic of the US forces in Europe and Africa got here to Munster simply the day earlier than. Merz stated: “Because we do this work shoulder to shoulder for mutual benefit and in deep transatlantic ties.”

According to Trump, the USA is inspecting a potential discount in its troops in Germany. A call ought to be made shortly, he wrote on his Truth Social platform. The announcement follows Trump’s clear criticism of Merz for making crucial feedback in regards to the US offensive in opposition to Iran.

According to information from the US Department of Defense, a superb 68,000 American troopers have been completely stationed at European bases in December 2025. More than half of them, round 36,400, have been in Germany. For comparability: Before the autumn of the Berlin Wall and the top of the Cold War in 1985 there have been nonetheless 250,000 troopers.

Merz calls on Iran to finish its nuclear program

Regarding the Iran conflict, the Chancellor stated that the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz should now be ended rapidly. “If Hormuz remains blocked, it will have massive economic damage for all of us.” At the identical time, the Chancellor introduced: “If the appropriate conditions are met, then Germany is ready to get involved militarily to ensure the freedom of sea routes.”

Iran should come to the negotiating desk, demanded Merz. “He can no longer hold the entire region and ultimately the entire world hostage.” Iran’s army nuclear program have to be ended. And there ought to be no extra assaults in opposition to Israel and different German companions within the area.

“We are in close and trusting contact with our partners, especially in Washington, on all of these issues,” the Chancellor affirmed. “We do this in the common transatlantic interest, we do it with mutual respect and fair sharing of the burden.”