Merkel's Attack on Trump - German Leader Tells Davos Stronger EU Is Needed to Take on US

ANGELA Merkel lashed out at Donald Trump at the Davos World Economic Forum today and called for the EU to press ahead with a shared foreign and defence policy to take on the US and China.

Angela Merkel joined other world leaders in taking a thinly veiled swipe at the US leader by lambasting nations which followed protectionist policies.

Asking whether the globe had learned the lessons of World War Two, she declared: “Protectionism is not the proper answer.

“If we are of the opinion that things are simply not fair, that there is no reciprocity, then we have to seek multilateral answers, and not pursue a unilateral protectionist course where we isolate ourselves.”

In a wide-ranging speech on the future of Europe, she admitted to having “regret” at Britain’s Brexit decision but claimed it had given the EU “courage to move forward”.

“We need to take more responsibility. We need to take our destiny into our own hands.” 

The Chancellor, who is struggling to form a coalition following her election disaster warned Europe could no longer rely on the US for support.

She said: “Now they concentrate on themselves and their own security.”

Towards the end of her speech, she also insisted Europe wanted to maintain a close relationship with the EU, but insisted once again it could not be at the expense of freedom of movement.

TEXT SOURCE