Germany: Merkel’s challenger questions NATO 2 per cent target

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FILE - In this April 7, 2017 file photo Martin Schulz, chairman of Germany\'s Social Democratic, SPD, and chancellor candidate delivers a speech at the conference of the SPD youth organization in Duisburg, Germany. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-left challenger Schulz is promising that Germany would be a “strong and reliable” NATO member under his leadership, but questioning anew the aim of dedicating two percent of gross domestic product to defense spending. (Guido Kirchner/dpa via AP, file)

BERLIN – Chancellor Angela Merkel’s centre-left challenger is promising that Germany would be a “strong and reliable” NATO member under his leadership, but again questioned the aim of dedicating 2 per cent of gross domestic product to defence spending.

The new U.S. administration has stepped up pressure on NATO allies to reach 2 per cent. Germany is one of many countries falling short, with the figure currently at 1.23 per cent.

Martin Schulz, who hopes to oust Merkel in a September election, and his Social Democrats have questioned whether NATO ever agreed to a firm 2 per cent target, pointing to a 2014 summit declaration that said allies “aim to move toward the 2 per cent guideline within a decade.”

Schulz told foreign reporters Monday that “what we need is not an arms race but disarmament initiatives.”

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Abbey Westbury

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