u/farsinuce

*France* and Italy? I was certain it was *Spain* and Italy. Why would France hinder it?

Edit: I got the news mixed up: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italy-spain-not-ready-back-eu-plan-boost-ukraine-military-aid-2025-03-17/

Seems like you need some kind of French business ID to sign up at the moment.

The insight we needed. Thank you.

Though I share your frustration, you just don't get to *have* most of those things, if your country gets invaded.

And if YOUR country is lucky to be left alone, yet only your neighbouring countries are invaded, that is bound to affect you economically regardless.

From a purely economic perspective, I would think rearming Europe is the least costly thing to do in the long run.

Presumably you’re not German?

That's true. Thank you for this material for insight.

Are you sure? Doesn't sound like that to me: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PRsF-yy6RGc (only German subtitles)

>*His views align far too often with the far (not to say extreme) right wing party AFD.*

Can you please share some concrete examples to back that up?

I don't understand this view of Merz. He seems like decent leader material for Germany, replacing Scholz at the right time.

I am not a conservative, yet I think Merz's rhetoric so far is spot on when it comes to the current problems with our crumbling transatlantic alliance. His stance on the toxic US government is a welcome relief at a time when compassion, respect and critical thinking seem to be in short supply.

My hope is for a constructive outcome with him and Boris Pistorius in the same government.

Video: Merz urges 'independence' from US