On October 26, 2024, Friedrich Merz, the opposition candidate for the German chancellorship, expressed concerns regarding the implications of Donald Trump's potential victory in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Speaking to the media outlet 'Die Zeit', Merz indicated that Trump's re-election could have serious repercussions for Germany and Europe.
Merz emphasized the uncertainty surrounding NATO's future should Trump, who has previously criticized the alliance, secure a second term. He warned that Europe might find itself isolated, particularly Germany, France, Poland, and the UK, which he identified as key players in leading the EU.
The opposition leader criticized the current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for not inviting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk to a farewell meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, suggesting that such oversights undermine Germany's position within the EU.
Recent surveys reveal that nearly half of German industrial companies anticipate negative consequences for their operations if Trump were to win. Experts from the Ifo Institute noted that businesses with strong economic ties to the U.S. are particularly concerned about potential adverse effects.
Furthermore, former German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel warned that a Trump presidency could lead to dire outcomes for Ukraine, given Trump's previous disregard for NATO and similar alliances.
In the context of trade, the German Economic Institute projected that a second Trump administration could result in a €180 billion ($194.2 billion) cost to Germany due to escalating trade tensions.