Germany's Merz tells BBC Europe was free-riding on US

In a BBC interview, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's rival, Friedrich Merz, criticized Europe for "free-riding" on the United States' security and defense efforts. Merz, the leader of Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, was in the UK to strengthen defense cooperation between Germany and the UK as part of a historic friendship treaty. Merz argued that Europe had become complacent, relying too heavily on the United States for its security, and that this needed to change. He emphasized the importance of European countries taking greater responsibility for their own defense and security, particularly in light of the changing geopolitical landscape and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The remarks come as Germany faces pressure to increase its defense spending and play a more assertive role in European security. Merz's comments suggest a potential shift in Germany's foreign policy approach, with a greater emphasis on European strategic autonomy and self-reliance in the realm of defense.