Opening the debate in the Bundestag, Leader the head of government outlined the critical issues this fall, declaring that Germany confronts decisions “concerning core principles rather than minor aspects” that will shape its destiny.
“We must take a clear-eyed look at reality in order to choose the correct path for our nation,” he remarked.
He emphasized that “national liberty is endangered” with a increasing “feeling of vulnerability,” adding that the country’s economic model is also “under pressure” from “a new form of protectionism.”
Additionally, he cautioned against “political forces at home and abroad” that question social cohesion and undermine the nation’s democratic foundations.
On defense matters, he started by saying that the Moscow’s aggression of the neighboring country “directly affects 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 some time.”
The chancellor emphasized that “ending it at the expense of the nation’s independence and territorial integrity is out of the question,” and alerted that “an imposed resolution” could “further motivate the Russian leader to seek his next target.”
He then condemned recent Moscow’s unmanned aerial violations into Poland and the Romanian airspace.
“Putin has long been testing the limits,” he said, but made clear:
We will not allow this.
‘We Want to Be Able to Defend Ourselves’, Merz Affirms
The leader repeated his regular line on defense, stating:
We want to be able to defend ourselves so that we won’t need to defend ourselves.
But he also made a broader point about the necessity of modernizing the nation, its civil protection plans, and the army.
He also addressed economic relations, 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He noted that “the distinction between domestic and foreign policy is simply outdated,” as the state’s initiatives abroad “serve to preserve liberty, peace and prosperity at home.”
He also mentioned progress on his government’s mission to lower the number of asylum applications in response to growing migratory pressures.
