Merkel defends ‘bulwark’ NATO after criticism
BERLIN: Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday put up a spirited defense of NATO after French President Emmanuel Macron’s criticism, saying Germany has a bigger interest today in ensuring the bloc stays together than even during the Cold War. Days before leaders of the transatlantic alliance are due to hold a summit, Merkel said NATO had been a “bulwark for peace and freedom” over the past 70 years.
“The preservation of NATO is in our own interest, more than during the Cold War,” Merkel told parliament. The German
chancellor’s strong defense of the bloc came after Macron said it was suffering from “brain death”. In his interview with The Economist earlier in November, Macron blindsided his allies as he decried a lack of coordination between Europe and the US. He also lamented recent unilateral action in Syria by Turkey, a key member of the alliance.
Merkel had reacted then with uncharacteristic gusto, slapping down what she described as unnecessary “sweeping judgments”. While not referring directly to Macron’s remarks in her speech to German parliament, Merkel addressed the French leader’s critique. Turkey was a “difficult partner” in NATO, she acknowledged, but also noted that being a partner meant being able to air differences of opinion. “I say that Turkey should stay a NATO member... because it is of strategic importance for the alliance that Turkey is part of it.” —AFP