German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has declared the unity of his coalition government, which includes the Social Democratic Party, amid calls within the party to review its policy toward Russia.
In a “manifesto,” parts of the SPD are calling for diplomatic rapprochement with Russia and an end to the country’s arms buildup. Friedrich Merz opposes this. The coalition remains united in its assessment of the war, the Chancellor says.
He made this statement at a press conference in Berlin, according to n-tv.
When asked to comment on calls by some SPD figures for diplomatic rapprochement with Russia and an end to the arms policy, Merz said that the coalition holds the same position on these issues.
“In the federal government, the CDU, CSU, and SPD are completely united in their assessment of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the consequences that should be drawn from it. And I expect this unity to remain,” he said.
As the German chancellor emphasized, given the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine, it is necessary to realize that “Russia is a threat to the security of the entire Alliance.”
“Russia is a security risk on both sides of the Atlantic,” so a decision on a long-term increase in defense spending will be made at the NATO summit, Merz added.
As reported, a document signed by more than 100 figures associated with the Social Democratic Party caused a stormy reaction in Germany—it concerns changes in security and defense policy and negotiations with Russia.
In the document entitled “Manifesto,” the “peace circles of the SPD” call for negotiations with Russia and an end to the deployment of new American medium-range missiles in Germany.
Such calls have already been publicly rejected by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Regarding the 18th sanctions package against Russia proposed by the EU Commission, the Chancellor expressed confidence that it will be adopted next week, despite Slovakia’s resistance. “I am grateful that the EU Commission launched the proposals for an 18th sanctions package yesterday,” Merz said. “If everything goes according to plan, this will be decided next week.”
