Reduction of American forces in Germany. Chancellor Merz denies it is retaliation

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday that the Americans are Germany's most important partner in NATO and said that the announcement to limit the number of American troops in Germany is not related to his dispute with US President Donald Trump regarding the war with Iran.

– I remain convinced that The Americans are our most important partner in NATO – Merz pointed out.

Asked whether U.S. plans to reduce its military presence in Germany are related to the dispute between him and Trump over Iran, the chancellor replied: “There is no connection.”

This is the first public comment by the head of the German government on the US administration's decision announced on Friday to withdraw five thousand American soldiers from Germany within a year.

The chancellor's statement was quoted by Reuters, which read the content of Merz's interview with the ARD station. The conversation will air later on Sunday.

The end of harsh rhetoric? Friedrich Merz avoids open conflict

The Pentagon announced on Friday that over the next 6-12 months, 5,000 soldiers from Germany. Although according to the ministry it was the result of internal analyses, the decision was made after Trump reacted angrily to Merz's criticism of the war with Iran.

On Thursday, Trump said Merz should spend more time on ending the war in Ukraine and repairing his country, rather than interrupting those who are trying to get rid of the threat from Iran. This is how the US president responded to Merz's repeated comments that the Americans have no strategy in the war with Iran.

On Saturday, the US president said he intended to reduce the number of American troops in Germany by more than the previously announced 5,000.

Currently, there are between 35,000 and 37,000 stationed in Germany. American soldiers. In 2020, Trump announced the withdrawal of 9,500. of them, accusing Berlin of failing to fulfill its obligations towards NATO. Some of the troops were supposed to go to Poland, but these plans were not implemented at that time.

From Berlin Mateusz Obremski (PAP)

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