Bavaria’s Prime Minister and CSU leader Markus Söder has issued a strong warning against a break with America, despite existing differences.

Axar.az reports that in an interview with WELT TV at the Munich Security Conference, Soder stated:

"The most important question is how the USA–Europe relationship will develop. This is key to the strength and security of Europeans. That is why I thought the Chancellor set a very good tone: on one hand, strengthening us — but for me it is crucial not to break with America.”

Soder added that Europe is “not nearly capable” of handling this alone — militarily, in terms of security, digitally, or economically.

His advice: “We should have patience, rely on wisdom, and not offend the Americans, but still give them direction.” He compared it to a “relationship box”:

“A small dent, yes! But one shouldn’t move out too quickly; instead, try to repair it.”

Soder called it a “serious mistake” to rely solely on France for a nuclear shield: “The French shield is too small and not as well equipped as the American one.” He added that French nuclear forces could only be complementary: “But without the Americans, it won’t work.”