Germany's likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned on Sunday whether NATO would remain in its "current form" by June in light of comments by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, and said Europe must quickly establish an independent defence capability.

Germany's mainstream conservatives have won the country's national election, while a far-right party surged to become the country's second-largest party.

Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner for Germany’s next chancellor, has expressed doubts about NATO’s future. The politician believes that Europe may need its own military force, according to Radio Liberty.

Friedrich Merz, Germany's potential Chancellor, questioned NATO's stability and called for Europe to strengthen its defense independence

I wonder whether in June we will still be talking about NATO in its current form, or whether we will have to create an independent European defense structure much sooner,” Merz said. He noted that he had never previously considered such a position,

Germanys probable next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has raised concerns over NATOs stability following U.S. President Donald Trumps recent remarks urging Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense.