In the lead-up to Germany's general election, candidates are sidestepping important discussions regarding national security, particularly in light of Russia's war in Ukraine and potential US disengagement from Europe. Instead, they focus on reviving the weak economy and addressing immigration concerns, which threaten to fuel the far-right. Both major party leaders avoid addressing defense spending—Merz of CDU/CSU ignores the need for borrowing, while Scholz of SPD avoids military commitments to Ukraine. Their reluctance stems from voter sensitivities, leaving Germany's security environment precarious as global dynamics shift.
In the worst-case scenario, if Trump pulls off this deal with Putin and carves up Europe into spheres of influence, Germany is very exposed.
Neither of the main contenders to run Europe's largest economy dares tell the domestic electorate just how dire Germany's security situation is looking.
The conservative CDU/CSU leader, Friedrich Merz, has swerved speaking about the need for massive borrowing to pay for a surge in defence spending.
The debate has largely focused on how to revive the ailing German economy after two years of recession and how to control migration.
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