Germany's next chancellor aims for independence from US

Germany's likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has announced plans to help the country "achieve independence" from the US. This statement marks a significant shift in German foreign policy, reflecting growing tensions with Washington. Germany currently hosts about 50,000 US troops and relies heavily on US trade and energy supplies. These factors complicate Merz's goal of reducing dependence on the US, as any changes could impact local economies and trade relations. The US may respond by redeploying troops and imposing sanctions, which could further strain Germany's economy. This situation could lead to a shift in power dynamics within the EU, favoring countries like Poland, France, and Italy.