Chancellor Scholz: Germany Doesn't Need Nuclear Weapons

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz/PHOTO via Instagram @olafscholz

JAKARTA - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected Germany's advice to have its own nuclear warhead and reduce its dependence on the protection of the United States (US).

"Germany does not need its own nuclear weapons," Scholz said Tuesday in a panel discussion and stressed that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) remains the basis for European security.

In response to a question at the "Europe 2024" conference, Scholz said that despite political differences between the US and its European partners, transatlantic relations remain strong and important.

"Maybe we have a different geopolitical assessment, but one thing is quite clear, we have the same values in terms of democracy and the rule of law. And that's what makes us different from the others," he said.

"Of course, we are stronger in the transatlantic alliance. So there is no reason to challenge things that are so valuable, namely NATO, and transatlantic cooperation," added Scholz.

In recent months, some German politicians have suggested that the country develop its own nuclear arsenal, along with their European Union partners, and reduce dependence on US protection.

The suggestion comes after former US president Donald Trump last month lashed out at European allies for not paying their share in NATOTO's fair expenses.

Trump also signaled the US might reconsider its nuclear protection for Europe if he is re-elected president of the US.