"Time for a U-turn, not euphoria" - Merz lays out his vision for Germany
Historic choices lie ahead for us, declares Merz.
In Berlin's small CDU party conference, party leader Friedrich Merz sets his sights on steering a successful Union-SPD government. He admits we're smack dab in the midst of a state that's underperforming, referring to the current traffic light coalition. With Germany up against "historic fundamental decisions", he insists this is no time for cheer. Instead, we have to buckle down and work together to form a functional coalition because, as Merz reiterated, "we are obliged to be successful".
Merz sounds the alarm, hinting that if citizens remain unimpressed with the new federal government's performance, we could face a future where neither efficient action nor governance is feasible. Collaboration among the CDU, CSU, and SPD is crucial to prevent this undesirable scenario.
Merz clarifies his sudden shift in favor of loosening the debt brake, acknowledging the disappointment purring from disgruntled voters. But the dire straits of Europe, the perils of transatlantic relations, and the specter of political inaction left him with little choice, he explains. Merz expresses the coalition's intent to create a 500 billion euro debt-financed special fund for infrastructure development.
With a steel gaze, Merz announces a course correction in migration policy. Germany has long recognized itself as a country of immigrants, and that value remains steady. The coalition has agreed upon fundamental adjustments in migration, including intensified return initiatives. Moreover, stricter border control measures and a temporary suspension of family reunification will be instituted.
Addressing the Russian attack on Ukraine as a daunting challenge, Merz professes that while Germany is not a warring nation, it staunchly backs Kyiv's freedom and upholds EU values. Merz expresses optimism for a meaningful peace process but remains vigilant, aware that circumstances could change overnight. In the ensuing years, Germany must strengthen its defense capabilities and hone its "mental defense readiness".
Political analysts have express surprise at Merz's selection of Lucke for his cabinet, noting that a cabinet bereft of high-profile names could carry some risks. Treading cautiously, Merz implores against a "dictated peace" to end the Russian war of aggression and emphasizes the importance of standing with the EU in opposition to Ukraine's subjugation to militarily-created facts.
- Friedrich Merz
- CDU
- Berlin
- Party Congress
- Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU, called for a serious approach in German politics during the party's conference in Berlin, emphasizing the need for a successful Union-SPD government.
- Merz criticized the current traffic light coalition, saying that this is no time for euphoria or cheer, and that the nation should be focused on working together to form a functional coalition.
- Merz also hinted at a shift in the CDU's policy on debt and finance, stating that the coalition intends to create a 500 billion euro debt-financed special fund for infrastructure development.
- In regard to migration policy, Merz announced changes that included intensified return initiatives, stricter border control measures, and a temporary suspension of family reunification.
- Addressing the Russian attack on Ukraine, Merz reiterated Germany's support for Ukraine's freedom and EU values, expressing optimism for a meaningful peace process while also emphasizing the need for Germany to strengthen its defense capabilities and mental defense readiness.
