Angela Merkel will soon be gone. The next German coalition already shares new ideas in many areas including NATO.
Three Consequences
- Germany will cease its nuclear sharing agreement with the US.
- It will ask the US to remove its nuclear weapons from German soil.
- Germany will abandon plans to purchase US military equipment such as the F/A-18 Hornet.
Justyna Gotkowska from the OSW think tank in Warsaw, laments in a Twitter Thread that Germany may soon abandon a key pillar of its NATO defence policy.
Eurointelligence picked up on the thread in its report Will Germany cease to host US nuclear weapons on its soil?
Gotkowska argues that it is highly probable that Germany will end its participation in the nuclear sharing programme within ten years. While the government itself, including the SPD leadership, is committed to it, the programme is not supported by the rank-and-file of the SPD. We would add that it is not supported by the Greens either.
Rolf Mützenich, the SPD leader in the Bundestag, has now formally come out supporting withdrawal of US nuclear weapons from Germany, and quitting nuclear sharing. The SPD has also nominated an anti-nuclear MEP for the job of Bundeswehr ombudsman.
Gotkowska concludes that there is no longer a majority in the Bundestag for the procurement of the F/A-18 Hornet tactical aircraft, which forms a key component for the nuclear sharing strategy. The government has now pushed a decision on the F/A-18 into the next parliament, which is even less likely than the current one to support it. Germany's exit from the programme poses important questions for Nato: whether Germany can still be useful in other ways, and whether others member will, or should, pick up the slack.
Fake News Headline
Defense News reports NATO chief backs Germany’s vow to keep war-ready US nukes
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has waded into Germany’s fiery debate about the decades-old pledge to retain American atomic bombs in the European nation as a way of deterring Russia.
Stoltenberg argued that only sticking to the doctrine of “nuclear sharing” would ensure Berlin's continued seat at the table of strategic decision-making within the alliance.
Led by Rolf Mützenich, the chairman of the Social Democrats in parliament, a group within the governing coalition’s junior party want to exit the NATO atomic arrangement, arguing that deal, too, has outlived its usefulness.
Vow? What Vow?
Both Eurointelligence and Gotkowska lament this result. I view this as a good thing.
I suggest we remove the nukes and the troops, not just from Germany, but everywhere.
If Germany or Japan or any other country wants US weapons or troops, they should pay for them, not US taxpayers.
This material is based upon information that Sitka Pacific Capital Management considers reliable and endeavors to keep current, Sitka Pacific Capital Management does not assure that this material is accurate, current or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
Nonfarm Payrolls rise 227,000 in November, US Dollar struggles to gather strength – LIVE
Nonfarm Payrolls in the US rose by 227,000 in November but the Unemployment Rate edged higher to 4.2% from 4.1% in October. With the immediate reaction to the US jobs report, the US Dollar struggles to gather strength against its rivals.
EUR/USD climbs to fresh multi-week high above 1.0600 after US jobs data
EUR/USD gathers bullish momentum and trades at its highest level in three weeks above 1.0600. Despite the better-than-expected Nonfarm Payrolls data from the US, the US Dollar (USD) stays under bearish pressure and helps the pair stretch higher.
GBP/USD tests 1.2800 on renewed USD weakness
GBP/USD extends its weekly advance and trades near 1.2800 in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar stays on the back foot as markets assess the details of the mixed November jobs report, allowing the pair to hold its ground.
Gold stays below $2,650 after of US NFP report
Gold recovers from the two-week low it set earlier in the day but remains below $2,650 in the American session on Friday. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield edges lower below 4.2% after US labor market data and supports XAU/USD.
Bitcoin experiences volatility post $100K milestone
Bitcoin rebounds to $97,000 on Friday after a volatile drop to $90,500, following its $100K milestone the day before. Ethereum maintains bullish momentum above key support levels, signaling a potential rally toward $4,000. In contrast, Ripple exhibits bearish tendencies, hinting at further declines.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.