Merz reveals his true fear: Did AfD’s entry into power make Russia’s threat too big to handle?

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has identified Russian disinformation and hybrid attacks as Germany’s biggest security concern, accusing Moscow of seeking to destabilise European societies and undermine the political order established after the Cold War. Speaking at a conference in Berlin, Merz called for stronger efforts to counter Russia’s influence. He also addressed economic tensions with China, insisting that Europe does not want a trade war but will defend its interests against what he described as unfair competition.