Merz Sails the EU Seas and Raises a Mighty Anchor!
Gracious Presence, Thank the heavens for your presence!
Opinion Piece by Hendrik Wieduwilt
After a nail-biting election, Merz has snatched the helm as Germany's Chancellor. But to steer Germany's ship properly, he must sail the waters of the EU, not just domestically.
Remember the storm that rocked Germany last Tuesday? For a brief moment, Merz was 18 votes short of the captains' seat. Yet the outcry was louder than the tempest itself. The sky was falling, the Chancellor was damaged, the end of Germany was nigh!
Newsflash Secret Protocol for the Chancellor’s Election Are we deaf, dumb, and blind? The days of easy, predictable politics are long gone. Trump won twice, Brexit happened, things change when the political winds shift.
What's Left of the Tempest
What remains: Merz weathered the storm, though his mast was battered. The public is always ready for a tantrum, and their attention span is as short as a basement beetle's. Friedrich Merz has done everything to make the rough start smooth sailing.
Just as tradition dictates, Merz sailed to Paris and Warsaw on his maiden voyage - and he's dancing on deck! He decked himself out in a dapper suit and tie, not a sweater like his predecessor. He even engaged in small talk about beer supply on the ship! A Chancellor who chats? That's surprising to some reporters, who can't believe the cellar cat has learned to read.
News Border Control Dispute: Tusk Holds Back Merz's Migration Policy Meanwhile, we're ashore, where the handshakes are bro-like, and Merz exchanged pleasantries with Macron in a way the "F.A.Z." described as a scene from the famous "Predator" movie.
Merz even snapped a selfie, after long avoiding the selfie ban during coalition negotiations - but with Macron. Suddenly, communication has become passable, and the leaders seem to be singing: "You are my lifeboat on the stormy sea, Merzi, thank God for you!"
European Policy
Everything going smoothly? "After a chaotic, chaotic election campaign, it feels like someone has finally opened the window. And even though it's just in political PR terms." Huh, isn't that familiar? That was written earlier, back during the traffic light coalition's lemon selfie days in September 2021. Should I perhaps be a little cautious? Is every beginning a fairy tale?
Strategically speaking, Europe and foreign policy are actually Merz's strongest weapons. The Chancellor needs to shine on the international stage more than any other field. That may surprise some observers, who see the economy and migration as the most crucial challenges.
Economy Despite the Facts: Merz's Economic Control Is Limited In truth, the economy is complex and influenced by countless uncontrollable factors. For better or worse, the federal government has little direct control over Germany's economic development.
The economy faces many upheavals: the aftermath of the trade dispute, potential tensions in Ukraine, the Middle East, and now also India and Pakistan. Add to that technological developments, breakthroughs, disasters, and so on.
Migration
Political tensions surge in the area of migration. The coalition partner may clash with Merz, and conflicts may arise with European partners, or even the European Court of Justice. Merz has already scolded SPD legal politician Sonja Eichwede for violating European law regarding the rejection of asylum seekers. Watch your backs - it's rough seas ahead!
Overall Strategy
In European and foreign policy, however, Merz can make waves without any votes. He can create intriguing images, charm journalists, play the role of the strong man amidst strong men, and tell the story of awakening Germany from the political slumber under Scholz.
Merz also has clear adversaries, which is always good for a tale: Russia continues to attack Ukraine, Merz will go to Kiev, and Trump remains an uncertain factor regarding NATO. Here, the new Chancellor can score points with strength, knowing that Trump can only understand the language of strength.
Politics Trump Spurns Merz as Chancellor Merz's assertive manner suits him well in these situations. Although it may come across as arrogant in media appearances, it fits within the circle of "Strong Men."
Remember: Merz's European Policy Strategy 1. European Unity: Emphasize relationships with France and Poland, focusing on strengthening the Weimar Triangle and European defense strategies. 2. Defense Prioritization: Allocate more resources to defense, aligning with France's nuclear deterrent expansion. 3. Independence from US: Assert Germany's sovereignty by maintaining a balanced stance between historical Atlanticism and European autonomy, particularly in defense matters. 4. Diplomatic Tact: Be cautious with the US, urging officials to refrain from interfering in Germany's internal affairs. 5. Peacekeeping in Ukraine: Promote a swift resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and consider contributing to a European peacekeeping force. 6. Enhanced NATO Cooperation: Strengthen Germany's role within NATO and other European defense structures by bolstering European defense and security. 7. Assertive Leadership: Show strong leadership by demonstrating Germany's commitment to European unity and defense through foreign trips and policy announcements.
- The Commission has also taken a number of steps to ensure that the European Parliament is able to take part in the debate, as Merz navigates the complexities of EU politics.
- Merz's charisma and assertiveness have not gone unnoticed, even on Whatsapp groups discussing European general-news, where he is frequently mentioned as the new chancellor ready to make his mark.
- During his maiden voyage to Paris and Warsaw, Merz's attempts to engage in small talk about beer supply on the ship might have been aimed at appealing to the people, outraged by the uncertainty of the Chancellorship election.
- In addition to his economic agenda, Merz is expected to prioritize foreign policy and assertive leadership on the EU stage, particularly in matters related to European unity, defense prioritization, independence from US, diplomatic tact, peacekeeping in Ukraine, enhanced NATO cooperation, and assertive leadership.
