National Freedom ‘At Risk’ States Merz as He Cautions Against ‘Forced Settlement’ in Ukraine
Kicking off the debate in the Bundestag, Leader Friedrich Merz set out the critical issues this fall, declaring that the nation faces decisions “not about details, but about very fundamental issues” that will define its destiny.
“We must take a sober look at reality in order to choose the right path for our nation,” he said.
He emphasized that “our freedom is endangered” with a increasing “feeling of vulnerability,” adding that Germany’s financial system is also “under pressure” from “a new form of protectionism.”
Additionally, he cautioned against “factions at home and abroad” that challenge unity and weaken German democracy.
On defense matters, he began by noting that the Russian invasion of Ukraine “has a very concrete impact on our lives,” and stressed: “We want this war to end.”
But he acknowledged that “there is reason to fear it will continue for a while longer.”
The chancellor emphasized that “concluding the conflict at the expense of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity is out of the question,” and warned that “a dictated peace” could “further motivate Putin to seek his next target.”
He then condemned recent Russian drone incursions into the Polish territory and the Romanian airspace.
“The Kremlin has repeatedly testing the limits,” he said, but stressed:
This will not be tolerated this.
‘National Defense Readiness Is Essential’, the Chancellor Says
Merz repeated his regular line on defense, stating:
Our aim is to be able to defend ourselves so that we won’t need to defend ourselves.
But he also made a wider argument about the necessity of updating the country, its civil protection plans, and the military.
He also addressed trade, including seeking new partners “in an increasingly complex world.”
He noted that “the distinction between domestic and foreign policy is simply outdated,” as the state’s initiatives abroad “help maintain freedom, peace and prosperity at home.”
He also mentioned advancements on his government’s mission to lower the number of refugee requests in response to growing migratory pressures.
