"Mertz Towards Lukashenko Will Be Tough"

• 8.05.2025, 14:19

What should Belarusians expect from the new German Chancellor?

On May 6, the German Bundestag elected the country's new chancellor. And although these elections were not quite cloudless and were held at the second attempt, the leader of the conservatives Friedrich Merz still headed the government. What the new chancellor intends to do for Germany, and how these actions may affect the Belarusians, among others, in the air of "Ordinary Morning" the historian and political observer Alexander Friedman discusses:

- The general course of Germany towards Lukashenko will not change. It will be as tough and principled as that of the previous government - the regime should not expect any progress. And the support of democratic forces will remain, the situation will not worsen for them.

With regard to aid to Ukraine, it will at least remain at the level it was at. I think it will even increase, because in today's coalition government there is a complete understanding that Ukraine should be supported more strongly.

As for the TAURUS issue, Merz has signaled several times both in opposition and after the elections that he is ready to send these missiles to Ukraine. Today this issue is not on the agenda, but sooner or later it will come up again. Even sooner rather than later, in my opinion: after the next serious Russian attack on civilian infrastructure, Mertz will be reminded of his promise.

And it is quite possible that, despite Russian threats, the missiles will eventually be delivered. We shouldn't think that this is a magic cure that will immediately help Ukraine - but with Merz taking over as Federal Chancellor, the likelihood of TAURUS being sent has increased significantly.