German Chancellor Criticizes Trump for Skipping G20 Summit in South Africa
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday criticized US President Donald Trump for choosing not to attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the meeting, Merz said: “I don’t think it was a good decision for the American government to stay away. However, this is ultimately for Washington to decide.”
He noted that the summit reflected a shifting global landscape, saying he observed “a realignment in the world and the formation of new connections.”
US Presence Overshadowed at Summit
According to Merz, the United States played only a limited role during the discussions. He said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s closing remarks, in which he handed over the G20 presidency to the US for 2026, were among the few moments the country was mentioned.
Trump skipped the summit because he alleges, without offering evidence, that South Africa is persecuting and killing white farmers.
Merz Discusses Concerns About US Ukraine Peace Plan
Merz also reiterated his concerns about parts of the US peace proposal for Ukraine.
He said he doubts that negotiators will reach a full political agreement by Thursday due to the significant differences that remain. However, he noted he has launched a “new initiative” focused on a single point that both the US and Russia might accept. He declined to provide further details.
On Saturday, Merz stressed that the war in Ukraine cannot end without Kyiv’s “unconditional consent.” He warned that no major power should decide the outcome of a war without the approval of the nation directly involved.
Merz added that a Ukrainian defeat would have serious consequences for Europe. “If Ukraine loses this war and collapses, it will affect the entire European continent. That is why we remain deeply committed to resolving this issue,” he said.
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