Delayed Departure, dubious Diplomacy: Merz Faces Hours-Long Wait After Trump Summit
SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt – Following a high-stakes diplomatic summit in Egypt, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz endured a nearly seven-hour travel delay, including a three-hour wait on the airfield, after meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump adn othre world leaders.The protracted delay underscores the logistical challenges and potential tensions surrounding international engagements with the former American leader, raising questions about the efficiency and respect afforded to participating nations.
The delays began with a two-hour wait for Trump’s arrival, followed by a nearly one-hour hold while awaiting transportation. Merz ultimately departed at 0:27 local time, a stark contrast to the anticipated schedule.This incident occurs amid reports of a strained atmosphere at the summit,culminating in Trump’s public remarks questioning his relationships with fellow heads of state. ”I like some, really, really like them.But you’ll never know who. Or maybe you will,” Trump stated during his address to the assembled leaders.
The summit, intended to foster dialog on regional stability, was punctuated by a widely-circulated video showing Trump engaged in a forceful handshake with French President Emmanuel Macron, interpreted by many as a display of dominance. The incident, dubbed “arm-wrestling of the presidents,” has fueled speculation about the dynamics at play during the closed-door sessions. The delays experienced by chancellor Merz, coupled with Trump’s provocative statements, highlight the complexities of navigating international relations in a post-Trump era and the potential for disruption even in ostensibly routine diplomatic events.