German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivering a speech criticizing the US social climate at an event in Würzburg.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivering a speech criticizing the US social climate at an event in Würzburg.
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Merz criticizes social climate in the United States

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Chancellor Friedrich Merz used unusually clear words about the situation in the United States at the Katholikentag in Würzburg. He expressed doubts about education or work there for his children.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke on Friday at the Katholikentag in Würzburg about the United States. He said: “I am a great admirer of America. My admiration is not increasing at the moment.” Merz added that he would no longer recommend to his children to go to the United States, to be educated there and to work there.

Former US Ambassador Richard Grenell responded on the platform X and described Merz as a leader without strategy. Nevertheless, Merz held a phone call with US President Donald Trump, which the latter conducted on his return journey from China. Merz announced this on Friday on X.

Merz had criticized Trump several times in recent months and was attacked in return from the Trump camp.

What people are saying

Initial reactions on X to Merz's Katholikentag remarks range from neutral reports quoting his concerns about the US social climate to criticisms of his bluntness harming Germany and skeptical takes questioning his consistency or the sudden shift in US conditions.

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