“The times in which we could completely rely on others are over to a certain extent. That is what I experienced in the last few days,” Merkel said. “That is why I can only say: We Europeans must really take our fate into our own hands.”

She went on to say: “Of course in friendship with the United States of America.” She emphasized friendship with the U.S. on a few other occasions in her remarks as well. But then said: “We have to fight for our own future, as Europeans, for our destiny.”

Merkel’s comments were unusual on several levels. It’s not just what she had to say that was interesting, but also why and when: at a folk festival following a series of summits during which she spent extensive amounts of time with Trump. The chancellor made direct reference to her strenuous week, during which the U.S. president managed to alienate his partners on several occasions.

Despite the directness of Merkel’s Sunday speech, however, there are several open questions that need to be answered:

1. Why did her comments cause such a stir around the world?   (read more)

2. Why did Merkel choose the words she chose?   (read more)

3. To what degree were Merkel’s comments part of the German campaign?

4. What are the consequences of Merkel’s comments?

For the answer click here:

More:   http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/merkel-and-trump-a-trans-atlantic-turning-point-a-1149757.html