Merz before Trump: Germans doubt Chancellor's diplomatic skills!

Merz before Trump: Germans doubt Chancellor's diplomatic skills!

Washington, USA - Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is about to go to the United States, which is considered an important inaugural visit. However, a current ARD Germany trend reveals that the doubts about Merz ’diplomatic skills are widespread. According to the survey, only 40 percent of the respondents trust his skill in foreign policy matters, while 47 percent hardly attribute skills to him. This arouses questions about the upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump, which will take place in the White House on Thursday. 46 percent believe that Merz can build a good relationship with Trump, while 44 percent doubt this. It is particularly striking that 73 percent of the respondents see the United States as no trustworthy partner. This survey Bernured Infratest Dimap and comprises 1,292 eligible voters.

The torn perception of transatlantic relationships is influenced by various factors. Among other things, Foreign Minister Johann WadePhul expressed concerns about the approach of the Trump government with European partners and described the tone between the USA and Europe as rough and irritating. In view of the historical tensions, it is a challenge for Merz to repair and strengthen the relationship between Germany and the USA, especially after the time under the Trump administration.

strategic importance of diplomacy

The importance of diplomacy for Germany as a large country with over 195 international relationships should not be underestimated. According to Statista, Germany maintains 228 foreign representatives worldwide. This includes 154 messages that serve as official contact points for diplomatic relationships. The Federal Foreign Office is responsible for political relationships and has a budget of 7.5 billion euros for 2023, with a large part of the securing of peace and stability. Among other things, this includes humanitarian aid that makes Germany one of the largest donors of assistance.

In addition, many Germans expect more diplomatic efforts to solve international crises. A survey of 2022 shows that 87 percent of the respondents support diplomatic negotiations on conflict resolution. This requirement urges Merz to actively shape the relationship with other countries and to seek diplomatic solutions in the Ukraine crisis and other geopolitical challenges.

In this context, it becomes exciting how Merz’s first trip to the USA will run. In the age of Angela Merkel, where the expectations of diplomatic skill are high, the Chancellor has to prove that he has grown to the challenges of international politics. The political landscape and the trust of the citizens could be significantly influenced by his appearance in Washington.