CDU leader Merz: 'We can create an economic area with Turkey'

German CDU leader and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz issued warnings regarding the consequences of US President Donald Trump's customs duty decisions, which have created significant impacts.

Merz stated, "President Trump's policies increase the risk that the next financial crisis will arrive sooner than expected. Globalization has been shaken to its foundations, and this affects Germany more than almost any other country."

According to the report in Artı49, Merz noted that during his first visit to Washington, he wanted to make it clear to Trump that Europe is a political entity capable of and ready to take action. "Only in this way can we earn respect," Merz said.

CDU leader Friedrich Merz also said he is open to importing more raw materials from the US. Stating, "We need gas, including American gas," Merz added, "However, we must always have more than one supplier and not become dependent on a single supplier."

Merz said, "There are great opportunities for us in countries such as Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, South Korea, the entire Southeast Pacific region, Australia, and New Zealand."

EMPHASIS ON TURKEY

CDU leader Merz stated, "We can gradually create a common economic area with the UK, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey, even without full membership in the European Union."