German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has issued a stark warning to the United States over a new grant program that some fear could influence upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. During his annual summer press conference in Berlin, Merz noted that German law prohibits political parties from receiving foreign financing. “For our part, we do not interfere in American elections,” he said. “Conversely, I do not want the American government or institutions close to the government to interfere in German elections.” The US State Department’s $3 million grant program, aimed at “defending democracy and human rights,” has been criticized by a former official as an effort to “put the thumb on the scale of elections in Europe.” Merz’s comments mark a significant moment in transatlantic relations, as Germany’s highest politician directly warns against US interference.
Article and image source: thelocal.de
