Merz: Germany will create the most powerful army in Europe

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz promised on Wednesday, during his speech to the Bundestag, that he would build "the strongest conventional army in Europe" in the face of threats from a hostile Russia and the war in Ukraine.

Merz said that this commitment is appropriate for one of the most populous and economically powerful countries in Europe, emphasizing that Germany's friends and partners expect such action from this country.

"They also demand this in practice," he added, writing washingtonpost.

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In his first speech to parliament after forming his government last week, Merz pledged to use every financial opportunity to strengthen the country's military.

He emphasized that the goal is for Germany and Europe to be so strong that they no longer need to use their weapons, and to achieve this, they must take on more responsibility within NATO and the European Union.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump had asked Germany and other European allies to increase defense spending, raising questions about the US commitment to the transatlantic military alliance. /Telegraph/