CSU-Board meeting - Soder: Distance between the USA, Europe and Germany will increase
CSU leader Markus Soeder expects Germany and Europe to further distance themselves from the US, regardless of the election outcome. "Whether someone else becomes President or not, in the long run there will be a greater distance to Europe and more self-determination," said Bavaria's Minister-President after a CSU executive committee meeting in Munich. It makes no sense to pin hopes on who the next President might be.
With a President Donald Trump, the process of estrangement from Europe would likely happen faster, Soeder said. "But it will also happen with the Democrats."
Germans and Europeans should not be naive
"It doesn't make sense to believe that one might be worse or better. We as Germans and Europeans must prepare ourselves," Soeder said. He considers the race to be much more open than many believe. However, it would be a big mistake to wait with blind eyes, hoping for a better result in the end.
The German government in Berlin must therefore continue to talk to the USA, "regardless of how difficult a partner may seem," Soeder emphasized. At the same time, Germany must also create facts by strengthening the Bundeswehr. "It is a fundamental error to weaken the Bundeswehr in this current situation by making a budget, instead of it coming forward."
Worrying about US tariffs on key industries
Germany and Europe must also strengthen themselves economically to better prepare for the future. "Regardless of who it is, they might possibly hit our key industries such as automotive, chemistry, and machinery manufacturing massively with tariffs."
Since the withdrawal of US President Joe Biden from another bid for the highest office in the US, it is still open who among the Democrats is running for the Presidency. A much-discussed name is the former Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Despite the election outcome in the United States of America, Markus Söder, the leader of California State University's (CSU) sister party in Bavaria, Germany, expects a greater distance between Europe and the White House.
- In the view of Söder, whether it's President Donald Trump or another candidate, there will be a more significant separation of Europe and self-determination for Germany.
- While in Munich, Söder stressed that Germans and Europeans should not be overly optimistic or pessimistic about the US presidency, as both potential parties might have similar impacts on Europe's relationship with the White House.
- Söder urged the German government to maintain communication with the White House, even if the US appears as a challenging partner, and also emphasized the importance of strengthening the Federal Army to better cope with future challenges.
- Grappling with the possibility of US tariffs on key industries such as automotive, chemistry, and machinery manufacturing, Söder recommended that Germany and Europe should bolster their own economies to prepare for the upcoming future.
