BERLIN (Reuters) – German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, tipped to become chancellor in next month’s election, said Germany would spend more on defence but would not commit to a NATO defence spending target as called for by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
“We first really have to reach the 2% lower limit in Germany. We are not there yet,” Merz told broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk on Wednesday in response to Trump’s call for NATO members to spend 5% of gross domestic product on defence.
“The 2, 3 or 5% (targets) are basically irrelevant, the decisive factor is that we do what is necessary to defend ourselves,” said Merz, leader of the opposition Christian Democrats and favoured to succeed Olaf Scholz.
Trump has frequently complained that most NATO members are not paying their fair share, and he floated demanding an increase in NATO defence contributions during the campaign. NATO estimated that 23 of its 32 members would meet…
