Friedrich Merz sharply criticizes Ursula von der Leyen
CDU leader Friedrich Merz has clashed with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in an interview. He accuses her of acting against Germany's interests. The dispute centers on future EU budget policy and defense spending.
Friedrich Merz, chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, sharply attacked EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in an interview with 'Welt am Sonntag'. He accused her of 'working against her own country', particularly regarding the planned EU budget after 2027.
Merz criticized that von der Leyen's Commission is proposing a budget that does not sufficiently account for EU defense spending. 'Ursula von der Leyen is turning against Germany', Merz said verbatim. He called for strengthening Europe's defense capabilities, as Germany under the traffic-light coalition plans budget cuts.
The background to the dispute lies in the negotiations following the European elections in June 2024. Von der Leyen was re-elected for a second term in July 2024. The EU Commission is now planning the distribution of portfolios among the commissioners, with Germany seeking influential posts. Merz emphasized that the CDU/CSU wants more say in nominating the German commissioner.
Von der Leyen has not yet commented publicly on Merz's accusations. Experts see the conflict as part of internal German power struggles ahead of the 2025 federal election. The EU budget debate could strain relations between Berlin and Brussels, as Germany plays a key role as the largest contributor.
Merz's statements align with his line of demanding a tougher EU policy on migration and defense issues. He had already criticized von der Leyen's support after the election because she had coalesced with left-wing groups.