Open dialogue should involve giving equal opportunity for both parties to express their thoughts concisely. - "It's crucial to keep conversations succinct and allow him to do most of the speaking"
Germany's Merz Discusses Phone Calls with Trump, Offers Diplomatic Advice
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently revealed details about his telephone conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump. Their first call took place shortly after Merz assumed office in May. Despite the lack of controversy, it marked Merz's inaugural chat with Trump as Chancellor.
Since then, the two leaders have spoken several times this month. At a digital conference in Berlin, Merz shared some amusing insights with the hosts of the WDR News Podcast 0630. For instance, he remarked that "great" is a frequently-used word by Trump, according to the Chancellor.
In terms of one-on-one calls, Merz described such conversations as merely small talk. However, he underscored the importance of brevity in all calls with Trump, asserting, "It's crucial to speak briefly and let him speak too."
Trump is known for his egocentrism, a trait that appears to carry over into his phone conversations. Merz confirmed this when asked about it, stating, "It's very much about him." To effectively convey one's own views and political concerns, Merz suggested finding the right moment when Trump is listening and adapting to him. He warned against submitting too much, advising, "We are not beggars." Yet, he urged a suitable amount of self-assurance, noting the EU's significance as an important market for the U.S., particularly the tech industry.
When it comes to maintaining diplomatic relations with leaders like Trump, Merz proposed several strategies. These include defining clear goals, being well-prepared, employing respectful communication, active listening, and flexibility in finding common ground.
- Friedrich Merz
- Donald Trump
- Europe
- USA
- WDR
- The Commission, in light of Friedrich Merz's diplomatic advice, might consider submitting a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, especially considering the increasing number of migrations due to war-and-conflicts.
- As the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz seems to be embracing the global stage, addressing not only political alliances but also general-news topics such as car-accidents, crime-and-justice, and accidents, much like the WDRNews podcast 0630.
- During the digital conference in Berlin, Merz made it clear that when engaging in policy-and-legislation discussions with Donald Trump, such as potential collaborations on climate change or healthcare, it is essential to find the right moment, speak briefly, and adapt one's views to Trump's listening style to avoid being perceived as beggars.
- The EU, under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, might face significant challenges when dealing with the egocentric nature of President Trump. However, Merz emphasized the need for active listening, respectful communication, and finding common ground to maintain diplomatic relations, which is crucial considering Europe's importance as an important market for the USA, particularly the tech industry.
- Amidst the ever-growing threats of fires, accidents, and other environmental hazards, the EU could benefit from the diplomatic strategies proposed by Friedrich Merz in his conversations with Donald Trump, as these strategies could potentially foster cooperation and partnerships in addressing these pressing issues on a global scale.
