Angela Merkel says Europe 'must take fate into its own hands'

Trump Declines to Back Core NATO Tenet, to Dismay of European Allies
Clinton: Losing to Trump was 'a crushing, devastating blow'
Author

29 May, 2017

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has insisted to her country that the U.S. and United Kingdom will no longer be countries Germany can rely on. "I experienced that in the last a few days, and therefore I can only say that we Europeans must really take our fate into our own hands".

"We Europeans truly have to take our fate into our own hands", she said, reportedly to great applause from her 2000 listeners, referring to both the "new USA government of Donald Trump" and "imminent Brexit of Great Britain".

A comment by Merkel on a campaign stop in a Bavarian beer tent on Sunday sent the liberal Twittersphere into a frenzy (Edward Snowden called it "an era-defining moment.") Merkel, mentioning both the US and Brexit, told her audience it was time for Europe to "take our fate into our own hands". (Face the Nation mentioned that "some not-so-happy allies were left questioning the president's commitment to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and a global pact on climate change" but did not mention Merkel's comments.) NY Times correspondent Binyamin Appelbaum demonstrated how comments like Merkel's could and should shape media coverage of Trump's recent visit - something the Sunday shows failed to deliver to their viewers.

The poll also showed that if German chancellor were directly elected, 52 percent would opt for Merkel and 29 percent would choose Schulz.

"The entire discussion about climate was very hard, if not to say very dissatisfying", Merkel told reporters at the time.

However, Trump was alone on the issue of climate change, and has signaled he may pull out of the Paris Agreement.

At an election rally, Merkel told supporters that Germany and Europe must create their own destiny.

Trump and Merkel's extremely awkward press conference.

With four months to go before elections, Angela Merkel's position also looks stronger than ever domestically.

Trump however, struck a more positive tone in his latest comments on Twitter, saying his trip had been a "great success for America". British Prime Minister Theresa May has also tried to maintain ties - though that's in part because she needs partners as she leads her country out of the European Union.

Merkel and Macron have vowed to work together to further the pro-globalisation agenda that Trump stands against.

Dr Merkel's comments were not the only sign Sunday of a Europe determined to hit back. Even so, "we have to fight for our own future ourselves".


More news


  • Trump labels Kushner reports 'fake news'

    Trump labels Kushner reports 'fake news'

    Kushner has not yet been charged with any wrongdoing, and it is still unclear what was discussed between Kushner and the Russians. The Senate and House Intelligence committees also are investigating, but not with an eye to bringing criminal charges.
    Jared Kushner ties to Russia questioned as Donald Trump blasts media lies

    Jared Kushner ties to Russia questioned as Donald Trump blasts media lies

    After his surprise victory, Mr Trump insisted that he and Ivanka Trump take up jobs within the West Wing of the White House. And the search continues for an Federal Bureau of Investigation director to replace Comey.
    The White House really wants to take the Twitter from The Donald

    The White House really wants to take the Twitter from The Donald

    Under the proposed measure, the legal team will look over the president's social media posts and decide if they need to be "adjusted or curtailed".
  • Authorities Arrest Shooting Suspect In Mississippi After Rampage

    Authorities Arrest Shooting Suspect In Mississippi After Rampage

    Authorities say the 36-year-old deputy was killed Saturday when he responded to a call about a domestic disturbance. The MS Bureau of Investigation confirms eight people were shot and killed overnight in Lincoln County.

    Mystery knee injury puts Stokes on sidelines

    He said he was not sure if the current problem was related. "I hope it will become a bit clearer and we can nail down what it is". Stokes went on to smash 101 off 79 balls with 11 fours and three sixes and shared two solid stands. "It's all about managing it".
    Cher leads tributes to her late ex-husband Gregg Allman

    Cher leads tributes to her late ex-husband Gregg Allman

    In 1977, Allman and singer Cher , to whom he was married at the time, released the album " Two the Hard Way ". "RIP Gregg Allman . Strangely, that following year on November 11, 1972, Oakley had also died under similar circumstances in Macon, GA as well.
  • Brokers Set Expectations for Premium Brands Holdings Corp's Q2 2017 Earnings (PBH)

    Finally, Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC raised its stake in shares of Prestige Brands Holdings by 18.4% in the first quarter. Arrowpoint Asset Management LLC increased its position in Prestige Brands Holdings by 2,587,841.7% in the fourth quarter.
    U.S.  split with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation  leaders on full display

    U.S. split with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation leaders on full display

    Instead, he reciprocated with a pledge to not publicly chastise the ruling royal family for its crackdown on political dissent. The Times has been the frequent target of attacks by Trump, who has called the newspaper "fake news" and "failing".

    Nanometrics Incorporated (NASDAQ:NANO) Reviewed By Analysts

    Zacks Investment Research cut Nanometrics from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 12th. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney And Strauss Limited Liability Corporation reported 76,782 shares or 0% of all its holdings.
  • Trump slams media reports of Kushner's Russia contacts as 'fabricated lies'

    Trump slams media reports of Kushner's Russia contacts as 'fabricated lies'

    Defense Secretary James Mattis, interviewed on CBS' "Face the Nation", said Trump remained "wide open" on the issue. Trump then returned to Washington Saturday night from his first overseas trip, to the Middle East and Europe.
    Australia to send more troops to Afghanistan as part of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation  request

    Australia to send more troops to Afghanistan as part of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation request

    The decision comes after a request from North Atlantic Treaty Organisation that was supported by the United States. Australia will increase its troop commitment to Afghanistan by 30 to a total of 300.
    Venezuela sends 2000 troops to border state hit by looting, protests

    Venezuela sends 2000 troops to border state hit by looting, protests

    Another person, whose name and age were not disclosed, died in protests in San Antonio, according to authorities. Elected in 2013, Maduro has accused the opposition of plotting a coup against him with U.S. backing .