The shadow of insecurity over Germany

Meanwhile, the results of the latest survey commissioned by Germany's ARD show that almost three-quarters of Germans (73 percent) are currently concerned about security in Europe. This figure is two percent higher than in a snap poll conducted the day after US President Donald Trump won the election in early November.

The Invertest Diamp Institute conducted the survey among 1,325 eligible German voters.

Accordingly, NATO continues to enjoy a high level of trust among German citizens. According to the survey, 84 percent of respondents consider this military and defense alliance important for ensuring peace in Europe. Seven percent believe that NATO is redundant and should be dissolved.

At the same time, three-quarters of respondents (75%) believe that NATO partners cannot currently rely on the protection of the United States.

A narrow majority (54%) also believe that German should become more independent from NATO and create its military alliance. One in three (32%) disagrees with this idea.

Meanwhile, Christian Reuter, Secretary General of the German Red Cross (DRK), believes that there will not be enough protection for citizens in the event of war. Reuters said; "The turning point that German Chancellor Olaf Schulz announced after the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has not happened in civil protection three years later. Reuters said: "Three years later, we are still bankrupt."

German far-right party calls for nuclear weapons

In light of the changing security situation, Rüdiger Lukassen, a defense politician from the far-right Alternative for Germany party, has also called for the country to acquire nuclear weapons. He said: "Germany needs its own nuclear weapons and compulsory military service - also for women. For this to happen, the constitution must be changed as soon as possible."

Lucassen stressed that he did not believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to attack Germany. But it was an option.

He added: "Therefore, if the US nuclear umbrella is removed, Europe must act on its own. Germany must have nuclear deterrence within the framework of Europe's strategic independence and a collective security system with its military structure and command."

Accordingly, WorldCrunch argues; "A more complex and politically sensitive option would be a Franco-German nuclear-sharing arrangement modeled after existing agreements with the U.S., where French nuclear weapons would be stationed on German soil and operated by German aircraft in case of an emergency. In exchange for security guarantees, stationing arrangements, or nuclear-sharing, Germany might consider financial contributions to France’s costly nuclear arsenal."

It continued; “Beyond these uncertainties, a deeper contradiction emerges: If the U.S. is no longer seen as a reliable partner, why should a new dependence on Britain and France guarantee long-term stability? What if the same political currents that are eroding transatlantic relations eventually weaken the resolve of London or Paris as well?"

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron had reiterated his reservations about a common nuclear deterrent in response to the change in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump.