Kicking off the discussion in the Bundestag, Leader the head of government set out the stakes this autumn, declaring that Germany faces choices “concerning core principles rather than minor aspects” that will shape its future.
“We must take a sober look at the current situation in order to select the correct path for our nation,” he remarked.
He emphasized that “our freedom is under threat” with a growing “feeling of vulnerability,” adding that Germany’s financial system is also “strained” from “a new form of protectionism.”
Additionally, he cautioned against “factions at home and abroad” that question unity and undermine the nation’s democratic foundations.
On defense matters, he started by saying that the Russian invasion of the neighboring country “has a very concrete impact on our lives,” and stressed: “It is our desire that this war to end.”
But he acknowledged that “it is likely it will continue for a while longer.”
The chancellor emphasized that “concluding the conflict at the expense of the nation’s independence and borders is unacceptable,” and warned that “a dictated peace” could “only encourage the Russian leader to seek his subsequent goal.”
He then censured recent Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania.
“Putin has long been testing the limits,” he commented, but made clear:
We will not allow this.
‘National Defense Readiness Is Essential’, Merz Affirms
The leader repeated his frequent stance on defense, stating:
We want to be able to defend ourselves so that we do not have to defend ourselves.
But he also made a wider argument about the importance of updating the country, its emergency preparedness systems, and the army.
He also addressed economic relations, including looking for new partners “in an increasingly complex world.”
He said that “the separation between internal and external affairs is simply outdated,” as the government’s actions abroad “serve to preserve liberty, peace and economic well-being at home.”
He also mentioned progress on his administration’s goal to lower the number of refugee requests in response to increasing immigration challenges.
