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European Union Leaders Convene in Brussels Amid Growing Security Concerns

European Union Leaders

by Admin 07/03/2025 European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels on Thursday for a special defense council, as French President Emmanuel Macron warns that the continent is at a “turning point in history.” The summit is expected to focus on rearmament and strategies to bolster support for Ukraine, following United States President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier this week that his administration would suspend aid to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been invited to participate in the discussions. Tensions have escalated across Europe since Trump’s meeting with Zelensky at the White House last week. European officials have framed Thursday’s summit as a crucial moment for the bloc’s security strategy. With three years having passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, concerns are mounting over the Trump administration’s overtures toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. Many European leaders fear that the continent may no longer be able to count on U.S. support for its security. Further deepening these concerns, Washington announced on Wednesday that it would pause intelligence sharing with Ukraine. In response, President Macron signaled France’s willingness to discuss extending its nuclear protection to European allies, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Similarly, Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become Germany’s next chancellor, has called for discussions on expanding nuclear-sharing agreements. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that Europe faces a “clear and present danger on a scale that none of us have seen in our adult lifetime.” European Council President António Costa echoed this sentiment, describing the moment as “defining for Ukraine and European security.” In a letter to European Union leaders, EU commission president Von der Leyen called for Europe to “meet the moment” by harnessing its industrial and production capacities to reinforce security. On Monday, she further announced an unprecedented defense initiative dubbed ReArm Europe aimed at significantly increasing defense spending at a pace that matches the scale of the threat. The plan is set to unlock up to €800 billion ($860 billion; £670 billion) in defense funding. Several European leaders have expressed strong support for swift action. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the initiative as a “fundamental shift,” while Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda emphasized that the summit would be a test of whether Europe is capable of making decisive security decisions rather than remaining a “debate club.” However, resistance is expected from some European leaders who maintain a more conciliatory stance toward Moscow. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized the EU’s “peace through strength” approach as “unrealistic.” Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has demanded that Ukraine not be referenced in any formal conclusions from the summit. Orbán, who has previously attempted to block EU aid to Ukraine and praised President Trump for “standing bravely for peace,” warned of a growing “strategic divide” between Europe and the United States. According to him, “One side insists on prolonging the war in Ukraine, while the other seeks an end to the conflict.” However, he acknowledged the potential for cooperation on border security issues. As the Brussels summit unfolds, United Kingdom Defence Secretary John Healey is set to meet with his United States counterpart Pete Hegseth in Washington to discuss the implications of the United States decision to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The outcome of both meetings is expected to shape Europe’s security strategy for years to come.

Trump Issues ‘Last Warning’ to Hamas Over Hostage Release

President Trump

by Admin 07/03/2025 The United States President, Donald Trump, has delivered what he called a “last warning” to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages held in Gaza. This was disclosed in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform. President Trump vowed to provide Israel with everything necessary to “finish the job” and warned that “not a single Hamas member will be safe” if the group does not comply. President Trump’s ultimatum comes just hours after the White House confirmed it was engaged in direct talks with Hamas to negotiate the release of remaining hostages. Hamas has accused the United States president of encouraging Israel to violate the current ceasefire agreement. In his post, President Trump escalated his rhetoric, warning that there would be ‘hell to pay’ if the hostages were not freed, though he did not elaborate on the specific support he was providing Israel. “Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” he wrote. “For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.” President Trump also appeared to issue a broader warning to Gaza’s population when he said: “To the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!” Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem responded by accusing Trump of “complicating matters regarding the ceasefire agreement” and encouraging Israel to avoid implementing its terms. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the United States has been holding direct negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of hostages, a move that was coordinated with Israel. Leavitt emphasized that Trump was acting “in the best interest of the American people” and that Special Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler had been leading “a good faith effort” to bring Americans home. According to Leavitt, two face-to-face meetings have taken place between a United States official and Hamas representatives, “preceded by several communications.” Israel launched its military offensive against Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response, Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas. Since the war began, at least 48,440 people have been killed in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel reports that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with up to 24 believed to be alive. Among them are five American citizens, one, Edan Alexander, is believed to be alive, while the other four are presumed dead. President Trump’s latest warning underscores his administration’s hardline stance as negotiations continue and tensions rise over the future of the ceasefire agreement.

Panama’s President Accuses Trump of Lying Over Canal ‘Reclaiming’ Claims

Panama President Jose Raul Mulino

by Admin 07/03/2025 Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has strongly rebuked U.S. President Donald Trump for claiming that the United States is “reclaiming” the Panama Canal, calling the assertion a falsehood and an affront to Panama’s sovereignty. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Mulino dismissed President Trump’s remarks, stating that the waterway, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, “is not in the process of recovery” by the United States government. He wrote that“Once again, President Trump is lying, I reject, on behalf of Panama and all Panamanians, this new affront to the truth and our dignity as a nation.” President Trump’s controversial statement came during his annual address to Congress on Tuesday. In it, he declared that Washington was taking back the canal to strengthen U.S. national security. “We’ve already started doing it. We’re taking it back,” President Trump said. He was referring to a deal announced on Tuesday, in which a consortium led by the United States investment firm BlackRock Inc. agreed to acquire a controlling stake in a company previously owned by a Chinese group that operates ports at both ends of the canal. According to regulatory filings, Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings is set to sell its entire stake in Hutchison Port Holdings and Hutchison Port Group Holdings to BlackRock for nearly $23 billion, including $5 billion in debt. However, the deal still requires approval from the Panamanian government. Despite Trump’s claims, Panama insists it retains full control over the canal and that the sale of port operations does not equate to the U.S. reclaiming the waterway. The Hong Kong-based group’s involvement in managing the ports at the canal’s entrances never constituted Chinese control over the canal itself, according to Panamanian officials. Since his campaign, President Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States should never have relinquished control of the canal and has accused Panama of overcharging the U.S. for its use. Upon returning to office, President Trump has further escalated his rhetoric, alleging that China exerts influence over canal operations, a claim Panama and China have both denied. In February, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with President Mulino and insisted that China was manipulating canal operations to serve its interests. Panama rejected this assertion, maintaining that the canal operated independently and without foreign interference. The Panama Canal was built by the United States in the early 1900s to facilitate commercial and military shipping between the country’s east and west coasts. However, under the terms of a 1977 treaty signed by United States President Jimmy Carter, Washington officially transferred control of the canal to Panama on December 31, 1999. President Trump has frequently criticized this decision, claiming Carter “foolishly” gave the canal away. His latest remarks suggest that his administration may be seeking a more assertive role in Panama’s strategic waterway, though how far the U.S. intends to go remains unclear. For now, the Panamanian government remains firm in its stance: the canal belongs to Panama, and no foreign power is reclaiming it.

U.S. Shifts Stance on Ukraine as Europe Grapples With Uncertainty

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and United States President Donald Trump meeting in the White House

by Admin 05/03/2025 In a pivotal moment for global geopolitics, United States President Donald Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House last Friday has sent a series of shockwaves through Europe. This came after a series of recent events. United States Vice President J.D. Vance’s aggressive rhetoric at the last Munich Security Conference reiterated the United States’ decision to vote against a United Nations resolution supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and confirmed a vivid shift in Washington’s stance on the Russia- Ukraine war. This departure from decades of United States foreign policy has left European leaders scrambling to reassess their security strategy. In response to the fiasco at the White House during Ukraine’s presidential visit, European leaders convened in London on Sunday at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formulate a peace plan for Ukraine. While concrete details remain scarce, initial discussions reportedly included proposals for a peacekeeping force involving British and French troops. One clear outcome of the crisis, however, is the growing assertiveness of the Nordic and Baltic states, which are now pushing for deeper European integration an initiative they had previously hesitated to embrace until the war between Russia and Ukraine broke out in 2022. As Prodesq political analyst Temitope Oladeji observes, the decision of Nordic and Baltic nations to integrate with Western Europe initiatives is destructive and provocative toward a formidable lasting peace between Europe and Russia. The push to join NATO will bring NATO missiles and soldiers closer to the Russian border and will further enhance future provocation with Russia as well as unending war in Europe. In November last year, the United States opened its first missile base in Poland, the first United States missile base in the Baltic region, which prompted Poland to increase its military defense spending for 2025 to 4.7%. This signals a preemptive preparation for future military actions from Russia and has marked the United States missile base as a reason to attack Poland in the future. However, Temitope highlighted the fact that in other parts of the continent, where pro-Russian and pro-Trump far-right factions have gained ground, the Nordic and Baltic states appear to be resisting such political shifts. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s efforts to secure a security guarantee from the United States through a minerals resources agreement with Washington remain in jeopardy. President Trump had reportedly pressured Zelensky to sign the deal, but discussions have been stalled while Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his readiness to sign the agreement. Prodesq political analyst Temitope Oladeji explained that Zelensky keeps misunderstanding the stance of President Trump’s meaning of security guarantees. During Trump’s political campaign, he made it vocal that he would end the Russian- Ukraine war and has constantly been working towards achieving his goal, pending a meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the year. Prodesq columnist Lateef Oyalola reiterates that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants to continue with the war against Russia while pointing out the responses from European leaders after the white house fall out between President Trump and Zelensky, Lateef explained further that the motive for the United Kingdom Keir Starmer to summon an immediate meeting of European leaders two days after the white house fallout and the promise of 2 billion dollars to purchase missiles signifies that the European leaders are against the peace agreement of their American counterparts. However, China, on its part, has remained on the sidelines, observing the unfolding fallout between European leaders and President Trump. Temitope Oladeji explained that with the European Union facing rising economic strain from increased defense spending and U.S.-imposed tariffs, China is likely to position itself as a vital economic partner after both Europe and China have been dealt a heavy blow by President Trump’s trade war. Though such an alignment would be unusual given Beijing’s support for Russia, the shifting geopolitical landscape under Trump’s leadership may force European leaders to explore unconventional partnerships.

Car Rams Into Crowd in Mannheim, Killing Two and Injuring Several Others

Scene of the attack at Mannheim, Germany

by Admin March 03/3/2025 At least two people were killed and several others injured on Monday when a car plowed into a group of pedestrians in the western German city of Mannheim, authorities confirmed. According to police spokesperson Stefan Wilhelm, the incident occurred at Paradeplatz, a central square in Mannheim’s pedestrian zone. The driver, a 40-year-old German man from the nearby state of Rhineland-Palatinate, was immediately taken into custody. In a statement later released by the police officials, it was confirmed that the 40-year-old assailant acted alone and posed no ongoing threat to the public. Baden-Württemberg’s state interior minister, Thomas Strobl, confirmed the fatalities and stated that “several others are seriously injured.” He assured that the police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s motive. Paradeplatz, a major landmark in downtown Mannheim, lies at the end of a pedestrian-only street. The city, home to approximately 326,000 residents, is located 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Frankfurt. However, Mannheim University Hospital reported treating three victims from the crash, including two adults and a child, according to German news agency dpa. It remains unclear whether other hospitals received additional patients. The attack occurred just a day after Mannheim hosted a major street parade as part of its annual carnival celebrations. Across Germany, many people have taken extended holidays for the carnival season, including Rose Monday, when numerous cities hold large-scale parades. Germany has witnessed a series of violent attacks in recent months, with increased car-ramming incidents and stabbing sprees. Last month, a man drove his vehicle into a trade union demonstration in Munich, killing a two-year-old girl and her mother. In December, a Christmas market in Magdeburg was targeted in a car-ramming attack that left six people dead and hundreds injured. Mannheim itself was the scene of a stabbing attack last year May, when a police officer was killed, and five others were wounded during an anti-Islam rally. In light of recent events, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had assured the public that carnival festivities were being held under “high-security precautions.” However, following the Mannheim attack, she canceled her scheduled visit to the Rose Monday parade in Cologne. Authorities continue to investigate the latest tragedy as the country grapples with growing concerns over public safety amid an increase in violent attacks.

U.S. Cyber Command Ordered to Halt Offensive Cyber Operations Against Russia

Pete Hegseth, United States Defense Secretary

By Admin | March 03/3/2025 Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. Cyber Command to cease offensive cyber attacks and information warfare against Russia, this was disclosed by a U.S. official familiar with the decision. The order was issued in late February to Air Force Gen. Tim Haugh, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command, and remains in effect for an unspecified duration. A spokesperson for the Department of Defense emphasized the Secretary’s commitment to safeguarding American military personnel across all operational domains, including cyberspace. “There is no greater priority to Secretary Hegseth than the safety of the Warfighter in all operations, including the cyber domain,” the spokesperson stated. However, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, clarified that its defensive posture remains unchanged. “Our mission is to defend against all cyber threats to U.S. Critical Infrastructure, including from Russia. There has been no change in our posture,” CISA said. Neither the United States Cyber Command nor the Russian Embassy responded immediately to requests for comment. The decision to pause cyber operations comes as President Donald Trump takes steps to restore diplomatic engagement with Russia. His administration has recently pursued efforts to re-establish embassy staffing and initiate peace talks to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Last month, U.S. officials met with Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia in a bid to advance negotiations. However, tensions flared on Friday during an Oval Office meeting between President Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance. According to sources, the meeting ended in a dead end after President Trump criticized Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his ongoing public condemnations of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “He’s got to say, ‘I want to make peace,’ President Trump remarked to reporters before leaving the White House. “He doesn’t have to stand there and say ‘Putin this, Putin that,’ all negative things. He’s got to say, ‘I want to make peace. I don’t want to fight a war any longer.’” The deadlock reportedly delayed the finalization of a proposed agreement that would grant the United States a significant stake in Ukraine’s rare-earth mineral resources, which are critical to the production of advanced technologies. The administration’s decision to halt offensive cyber operations against Russia has drawn sharp criticism from congressional leaders, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. He said, “Donald Trump is so desperate to earn the affection of a thug like Vladimir Putin that he appears to be giving him a free pass as Russia continues to launch cyber operations and ransomware attacks against critical American infrastructure, threatening our economic and national security,” Schumer said on Sunday. “It is a critical strategic mistake for Donald Trump to unilaterally disarm Putin.” Senator Schumer’s remarks highlight growing concerns among lawmakers that the pause in cyber operations could weaken U.S. defenses against Russian cyber threats. The Biden administration had previously labeled Russia “an enduring global cyber threat,” citing cyberattacks on the United States government agencies, think tanks, and other critical sectors, such as energy and aviation, allegedly orchestrated by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. As the administration balances diplomatic efforts with national security concerns, the future of U.S. cyber strategy against Russia remains uncertain.

Unvaccinated Child Dies from Measles in Texas Amid Growing Outbreak

Measles symptoms

by Admin Feb 26, 2025 A child in Texas has died from measles, making it the first U.S. fatality from the highly contagious disease in nearly a decade, state health officials confirmed on Wednesday morning. The unvaccinated child was hospitalized in Lubbock health facility last week and tested positive for measles before succumbing to the deadly diseases within 24 hours, according to local authorities. The fatality comes as measles cases increased drastically in parts of western Texas and neighboring New Mexico states, with more than 130 people infected this year, mostly among unvaccinated children. At least 20 people have been hospitalized in Texas, and health workers warn that the outbreak is likely to escalate. Experts have feared that falling vaccination levels could contribute to further outbreaks across the country. The measles resurgence comes at a sensitive time for, as newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime critic of vaccines, downplays the severity of the outbreak. During a meeting of President Donald Trump’s cabinet, Kennedy dismissed concerns, stating, “It’s not unusual. You have measles outbreaks every year.” Kennedy also claimed that two deaths had been reported, though neither Texas nor New Mexico health officials confirmed an additional fatality. His comments have drawn criticism from medical experts, who emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing severe measles complications and deaths. Health professionals stress that the measles vaccine remains one of the most effective tools against the disease. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University, disclosed that the child’s death “should serve as a reminder that there was a reason the vaccine was developed and that it remains invaluable for public health.” Dr. Lara Johnson, chief medical officer at Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock, where the child was treated, reflected on the resurgence of measles in the United States. She said, “When I graduated from medical school in 2002, I was confident I would never see a measles outbreak unless I chose to work internationally,” she said. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The disease is known for its distinct rash but also leads to severe complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals, infants under 12 months who are not yet eligible for vaccination, and those with weakened immune systems. During outbreaks, about one in five measles patients require hospitalization, and one in 20 develops pneumonia. In rare cases, measles can cause brain swelling and be fatal. The measles vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection, with a single dose providing 93% protection and two doses offering 97% immunity. Before the vaccine was introduced in 1963, millions of Americans contracted measles annually, leading to hundreds of deaths. The disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but outbreaks continue to occur, primarily in communities with low vaccination rates. In 2023, the United States reported that 285 measles cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The largest recent outbreak occurred in 2019, with 1,274 cases, primarily in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York and New Jerse,y marking the highest number of cases in decades. With the current outbreak expanding and vaccination rates declining, public health officials are urging families to ensure their children receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to prevent further infections and fatalities.

Hamas Returns Four Israeli Hostages’ Bodies in Exchange for Palestinian Prisoners

Palestinian prisoner leaving a bus

by Admin Feb 26, 2025 Hamas has handed over what it claims to be the bodies of four Israeli hostages from Gaza in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Israeli authorities are currently conducting DNA testing to confirm the identities of the remains, believed to belong to Shlomo Mansour, 86, Ohad Yahalomi, 50, Tsachi Idan, 50, and Itzik Elgarat, 69, all of whom were taken hostage during Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Early Thursday morning, Israel began the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners, with dozens returning to the occupied West Bank and Gaza, where they were greeted by celebratory crowds. This marks the final exchange in the first phase of the ongoing ceasefire agreement, which is set to conclude on Saturday. Initial DNA testing of the bodies was expected to take place near the Israel-Gaza border. However, Israeli media later reported that the remains were transported to a forensic facility in Tel Aviv for further examination. This exchange follows a previous incident in which Hamas mistakenly handed over the body of a Palestinian woman instead of that of Israeli hostage Shiri Bibas. The error led to outrage in Israel, after which Hamas later provided bibs’s correct remains Unlike previous handovers, which were public, Hamas transferred the latest bodies privately, without a formal ceremony. Israel has accused Hamas of deliberately staging “humiliating” handover events in past exchanges. Last weekend, Israel temporarily delayed a scheduled prisoner release, citing concerns over the mistreatment of hostages during their return. Prodesq news media gathered a bus transporting Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison in the West Bank late Wednesday. The bus later arrived at a checkpoint near the Ramallah Cultural Palace, where large crowds gathered to celebrate. Whereas Additional groups of released prisoners were seen disembarking from buses outside a hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. Among those released were more than 400 Gazans detained by Israeli forces during the ongoing conflict, as well as 50 individuals serving life sentences in Israeli prisons. Israel confirmed that prisoners were also being released from the Ketziot facility in southern Israel and Ofer Prison. Meanwhile, the Hamas-run Prisoners’ Media Office reported that a hospital in Gaza was preparing to receive the freed detainees. This latest exchange comes as part of the broader ceasefire negotiations, with uncertainty surrounding whether the deal will be extended beyond its scheduled end on Saturday.

Trump Shares AI-Generated Video Promoting Vision for Gaza as a Luxury Resort

President Trump

by Admin Feb 26, 2025 Late Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video on his Truth Social account that appears to have been created using generative AI, showcasing his vision of Gaza transformed into a high-end resort. The video features surreal imagery, including a golden statue of President Trump, a hummus-eating Elon Musk, and shirtless American and Israeli leaders relaxing on a beach. Accompanied by an upbeat dance track, the video’s lyrics declare: “No more tunnels, no more fear. Trump Gaza is finally here!” The concept aligns with President Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate 2.1 million Palestinians from Gaza and convert the enclave into a “Riviera” under U.S. ownership. The Palestinian Authority (PA), based in the West Bank, has strongly condemned the proposal, calling it a “serious violation of international law.” Palestine Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen responded earlier this month, saying: “We have tried displacement before, and it will not happen again,” referring to the forced displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war that led to the creation of Israel. The video opens with barefoot Palestinian children walking through the ruins of Gaza. A title card asks, “What’s next?” before transitioning to a futuristic skyline of towering skyscrapers along Gaza’s coastline. “Donald’s coming to set you free. Trump Gaza shining bright. Golden future, a brand-new light. Feast and dance. The deed is done.” The AI-generated footage includes bizarre elements, such as bearded belly dancers wearing bikinis, a child holding a golden balloon in the shape of Trump’s head, and Elon Musk dancing on a beach as U.S. dollar bills rain down. While the video promotes President Trump’s redevelopment vision, it remains unclear whether he plans to act on the proposal. Following backlash from regional leaders in Egypt and Jordan, Trump told Fox News on Friday: “The way to do it is my plan. I think that’s the plan that really works. But I’m not forcing it. I’m just going to sit back and recommend it.” The video has drawn mixed reactions online, with supporters praising the vision for economic development, while critics have described it as tone-deaf and emblematic of disregard for Palestinian rights. The proposal continues to spark international debate as tensions in the region persist.

Germany’s Merz Calls for European Defense Independence After Election Victory

Germany New Chancellor Friedrich Merz

by Admin Feb 26, 2025 Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to push for European defense “independence” from the United States following his center-right alliance’s victory in parliamentary elections. His remarks come amid growing concerns over the U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to Europe’s security. Speaking on Sunday, Merz emphasized that strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities would be his “absolute priority,” asserting that the continent must no longer depend on Washington for its security. “I never thought I would have to say something like that on a TV program, but after Donald Trump’s latest comments last week, it is clear that the Americans at least this government care very little about the fate of Europe,” Merz said during a televised discussion with political leaders. Merz expressed uncertainty over NATO’s long-term stability, warning that the alliance may not exist in its “current form” by the time of its next summit in June. He suggested that Europe must accelerate efforts to develop an independent defense strategy. “That is my absolute priority,” he stated. “I have no illusions at all about what will come out of America.” Merz also aimed billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of President Trump and head of the newly created U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, for his involvement in Germany’s election campaign. The tech billionaire Musk had publicly supported the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured its strongest-ever result in a national election. “The interventions from Washington were no less dramatic and impertinent than the interventions we have seen from Moscow,” Merz said. “We are under massive pressure from two sides.” Preliminary results from Sunday’s election showed Merz’s Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance winning 208 seats with 28.6% of the vote. The far-right AfD surged to second place with 152 seats and 20.8%, doubling its previous performance. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which led an unpopular three-party coalition, suffered a historic defeat, securing just 120 seats its worst result since World War II. Merz now faces the complex task of coalition negotiations, having ruled out partnering with the AfD. His most likely option is a deal with the SPD, despite their long-standing rivalry. His victory signals a shift in German politics, with growing divisions over the country’s transatlantic ties and its role in European security.

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