Keepin' Calm and Carryin' On: Chancellor Merz Stands Firm Against SPD's Peace Plea Towards Russia
SPD's Russia-related demands have been flat-out refused by Merz.
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The CDU and SPD are butting heads over diplomatic relations with Russia. A few SPD members want to cozy up to Moscow, but Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU won't have it. The coalition stays united in its tough stance against Putin's war in Ukraine.
Despite some SPD bigwigs pushing for warmer talks with Russia and cooling down the political temperature, Merz stands firm. He is banking on unity within the black-red alliance. "We're all on the same page with the CDU, CSU, and SPD about the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine and the actions we must take in response," said the CDU boss at a sit-down with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Berlin. "And I expect that to continue," he assured.
The latest round of Russian assaults on Ukraine has made it crystal clear to Merz that Russia is a threat to everyone. With the NATO summit in The Hague just a fortnight away, Merz emphasized the need for a long-term, historical increase in defense spending at the meeting. "We're gonna fortify the European pillar of NATO together," he declared. Frederiksen echoed similar sentiments.
Policy Pushback from SPD Lefty-Wing
Some SPD heavyweights have long been against the security and defense policy of the black-red federal government and their own party leadership. In a document they call a "manifesto," they demand direct diplomatic talks with Russia, among other things. The paper, signed by the likes of Rolf Mützenich, Norbert Walter-Borjans, and Ralf Stegner, has sparked controversy, especially since it contradicts the SPD's previous stance on Russia.
Eighteen Straight and Counting
Looking ahead to the 18th sanctions package proposed against Russia by the EU Commission, the Chancellor is optimistic about its adoption. "I'm grateful that the EU Commission handed over the proposals for an 18th sanctions package yesterday," said Merz. "If all goes according to plan, it'll be adopted next week." Frederiksen rallied behind Merz, calling for a hardline stance against Russia. "We've been trying to reason with Moscow long enough," she said.
Party Politics and Manifesto Misstep
Asked about Slovakia's resistance, Merz said that the topic will be brought up in the Committee of Permanent Representatives in Brussels for the first time next week. "If needed, we might have to revisit the discussion in the European Council. But we may already have an agreement on it by next week," Merz hinted, looking ahead to the EU summit next week.
- Friedrich Merz
- SPD
- CDU
- Denmark
- Ukraine
- Attack on Ukraine
- Russia
Insights:
- Internal rifts within the SPD emerged with the publication of a manifesto demanding negotiations with Russia.
- Chancellor Merz and the CDU have remained committed to a tough stance against Russia in response to the conflict in Ukraine.
- The EU Commission has put forward proposals for the 18th sanctions package against Russia, expected to be adopted soon despite reservations from some EU members.
The SPD's manifesto, penned by its left-wing heavyweights, calls for direct diplomatic talks with Russia, which has sparked controversy within the party and contradicts their previous stance on Russia. Despite the internal disagreements, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU have maintained a firm policy against Russia in response to the attack on Ukraine.
The proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia by the EU Commission, backed by Chancellor Merz, is expected to be adopted next week, given the support from the EU Commission and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Both leaders are advocating for a hardline stance against Russia.
