German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has clearly called on President Donald Trump’s administration to avoid any involvement in Germany’s electoral affairs, following the announcement of a U.S. initiative to fund entities and individuals on the European continent.
The German leader’s reaction came immediately after the U.S. State Department unveiled a new $3 million grant fund intended for non-governmental organizations, research centers, and individuals in Europe.
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According to documentation distributed by the American side, these financial resources will be used for projects addressing topics such as national independence, migration flows, freedom of expression, and strengthening the rule of law, always in the spirit of ‘shared political values and the Western tradition’.
The initiative has sparked concerned reactions in various European capitals, where the question is being raised whether this money could be instrumentalized to steer domestic policies and ballot box outcomes.
In a media appearance in Berlin, Merz insisted that Berlin does not meddle in the democratic processes of the United States and demands reciprocity from the ally across the Atlantic.
“As a state, we do not stick our finger in American elections. Consequently, I expect that neither the U.S. government nor structures linked to it become involved in our votes,” the head of the German executive said unequivocally.
Further, Merz recalled that German legislation categorically prohibits the financing of domestic political formations by external donors.
The discussion has taken on broader dimensions after some figures who have previously served in the U.S. administration have hypothesized that this new payment scheme could favor right-wing political movements in Europe. Critical voices highlight the risk that this project could upset political balances on the eve of popular consultations, both local and national, in several countries on the continent.
On the other hand, U.S. diplomatic officials have dismissed any claim that the funds will be diverted to parties, clarifying that the sole objective remains the promotion of human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law in Europe.
“The entirety of our programs in the European region aims exclusively at supporting fundamental freedoms, and these grants are not accessible to political organizations,” a State Department spokesperson stressed.
