Friedrich Merz was appointed Germany’s chancellor on 6/5/2025, after securing a Bundestag majority.
The appointment of Merz has reset expectations in Riyadh concerning defense relations with Berlin.
The note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s stance on Merz’s leadership
- His views on defense cooperation with Germany under Merz
- A precondition for Saudi Arabia to cooperate with Germany
- The German technologies and systems that Saudi Arabia is interested in acquiring if the precondition is met
The note also mentions a promise made by Merz’s government regarding German export controls.
