U.S. no longer a 'friend' in Merkel election program

[DonViejo]

Source: Reuters



By Noah Barkin | BERLIN

In their campaign program for the German election, Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives have dropped the term "friend" in describing the relationship with the United States.

Four years ago, the joint program of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), referred to the United States as Germany's "most important friend" outside of Europe.

The 2013 program also described the "friendship" with Washington as a "cornerstone" of Germany's international relations and talked about strengthening transatlantic economic ties through the removal of trade barriers. But the words "friend" and "friendship" are missing from the latest election program - entitled "For a Germany in which we live well and happily" - which Merkel and CSU leader Horst Seehofer presented on Monday ahead of a Sept. 24 election.

Instead, the United States is described as Germany's "most important partner" outside of Europe. CDU officials were not immediately available to comment on the change in wording.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-election-merkel-usa-idUSKBN19O1NS

[Warpy]

1. The US won't be a "friend" to anyone until we get rid of the toddler in the WH

Narcissists don't understand friendships. They take hostages.

[Doug the Dem]

5. Except for Russia

Well, that's more like a romance, so I guess you're right.

[The Wielding Truth]

2. Unless you share his self-centered characteristics. Ex: any and all brutal sneaky lying dictators

and oligarchs.

Then he can't wait to buddy up to you.

[Hieronymus]

3. Who can blame Merkel? She's now the most powerful world leader.

[Alice11111]

7. Thank goodness!

[CTyankee]

9. She's powerful and smart...just the kind of woman he can't stand...

[LudwigPastorius]

4. The World to the U.S. since Trump took office:

[Alice11111]

6. !!!

[riversedge]

8. Respect has to be earned.