Schulz versus Merkel, but even Trump: Remove nuclear weapons

German Social Democrats leader and Chancellor candidate Martin Schulz promised he would remove American nuclear weapons from German territory, if, unlike polls show, Angela Merkel will defeat and become Chancellor next month.

German, under no circumstances should take part in nuclear weapons strategies. It is clear and evident from Donald Trump's policies that nuclear weapons are part of his program. We have seen from the conflict with North Korea that a strategy for disarming rather than further weapons is needed. So, I demand that nuclear weapons deployed in Germany, withdraw”, he said.

Speaking at a gathering in Gottingen, Schulz said that unlike Merkel, he would resist the American president's demands that NATO members increase military spending.

“I have made clear, US politics under Donald Trump's leadership, under any circumstances should not become Germany's” policy, Schulz stressed.

About 20 U.S. nuclear tests are thought to be located at a military base in western Germany. Germany and other NATO member states have already promised to increase their defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP.

While most members have increased military expenses, only a few have reached the 2 percent limit, and Germany is not one of them.

However, recent polls show that Schulz stands at least 14 points behind Merkel, and most Germans expect the emerging economy and low unemployment to lead the latter towards the fourth term in office in the September 24th elections.