Merz: The United States does not care about the fate of Europeans Europe must strengthen its defense capabilities

German election winner Merz said Sunday that Europe must bolster its defense capabilities amid heightened tensions between the United States and Europe over Ukraine and NATO funding.

Merz said: "For me, the absolute priority is to strengthen Europe as soon as possible so that step by step we really get rid of our dependence on the United States in defense matters."

"After US President Donald Trump's statement last week, Americans' indifference to the fate of Europe is clear."

As leader of the Coalition party, Merz said he had no illusions about what the United States would do. "I'm very curious to see what happens between now and the NATO summit at the end of June."

He added: "I doubt whether we will still be talking about NATO in its current form or whether we will have to build independent European defence capabilities more quickly."

Germany's conservative coalition won Sunday's general election, and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Merz is expected to become chancellor.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulated Merz and said he looked forward to working with Germany at this critical time to guarantee European security. "Europe must spend more on defence and your leadership will be key."

Merz also repeated his condemnation of Musk's meddling in the German election campaign. Musk strongly supports the far-right and pro-Moscow Alternative for Germany party.

"Washington interferes with us no less than Moscow, and we face tremendous pressure from both sides."