German Chancellor Olaf Scholz backs Joe Biden in upcoming US presidential election
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, from the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), has openly expressed his support for US President Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election. However, Jens Spahn from Germany’s largest opposition party, the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), believes that Donald Trump will likely secure a second term. Spahn emphasizes the importance of building relationships with both candidates to secure Germany’s interests.
Concerns about Ukraine’s future
With JD Vance as Trump’s running mate, concerns about US support for Ukraine have heightened. German leaders are preparing for a possible Trump re-election by increasing defense spending and establishing closer ties with the US. Despite uncertainties, Chancellor Scholz has agreed to station long-range US weapons in Germany in anticipation of a second Trump presidency.
Reflecting on Trump’s first term
In 2016, German officials were surprised by Trump’s victory and faced challenges in diplomacy. If Trump wins again, German leaders fear a shift towards bilateral relationships that could strain ties with the EU. Despite potential obstacles, a second Trump administration may still rely on allies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the US and Europe.