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In his New Year’s speech Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) despite all the challenges, called for a positive view of the future. “We have it in our own hands to overcome each of these challenges on our own. We are not victims of external circumstances,” said Merz. “We are not a pawn of major powers. Our hands are not tied.”
Germany is a “great country that has continually reinvented itself, emerged stronger from crises and was able to create new cohesion,” said Merz. “Let us therefore not be guided by fear and despondency, but by confidence and belief in our own strength to overcome any challenge, no matter how great it may be.”
Merz insists on Europe’s security interests
At the same time, Merz recalled the challenges facing the country and Europe. “A terrible war is raging in Europe. It is a war that also directly threatens our freedom and our security,” he said, referring to Russia’s ongoing attack on Ukraine. The Chancellor recalled that “Ukrainians (…) are celebrating the New Year for the fourth time in a row under the most adverse circumstances – many of them without electricity, in a hail of rockets, in fear for friends and families.”
This war is not far away, said Merz. “Germany is also invaded by sabotage, espionage and cyber attacks every day.” Russia’s attack is part of a plan aimed at the whole of Europe. He concluded: “I tell you: We ensure our security. We live in a safe country.”
In order for it to stay that way, the deterrence capability must be improved, said Merz. “For us Europeans “That means: We have to defend and assert our interests much more strongly on our own,” he said. The aim is to “renew the foundations of our freedom, our security and our prosperity for the next few years and perhaps decades.”
Overcome challenges
This is already happening in many areas, said Merz with regard to the previous one work of the federal government. “We have created new incentives for legal and orderly migration and at the same time closed routes for illegal and disorderly migration,” said the head of government.
Merz cited global protectionism as a further challenge. “Our strategic dependence on raw materials is increasingly being used as political leverage against our interests,” he said, referring to Russia and China. Also about the changing partnership with the USA under Donald Trump Merz reminded. That is why the federal government initiated reforms of the welfare state and pensions, relieved companies and decided to reduce bureaucracy.
“We will have to decide on fundamental reforms next year so that our social systems can remain financially viable in the long term,” announced Merz. The challenges are obvious: society is getting older, baby boomers are now retiring. The goal must be to fairly balance the concerns of all generations.
“Our economy is under pressure from necessary reforms, high costs and global trade conflicts,” said Merz. In addition, new technologies revolutionized the world of work and living together. “Now quite a few people will say, that’s not enough, that’s too little, and you don’t feel it enough either. And I want to tell you: you’re right, that’s not enough,” he said. But the federal government has started its work and Germany will “reap the benefits.”
2026 as a departure
“The year 2026 can be a moment of departure,” the Chancellor continued. “This is the prospect that I want to open up to you and to all of us: This can be a decisive year for our country and for Europe.” Germany and Europe could build on decades of peace, freedom and prosperity with new strength.
“For this we have to trust ourselves, our courage and our drive,” said Merz. He campaigned for trust in the democratic processes. “Yes, they are sometimes tough and contentious. But this is the only way we can achieve results that are supported by a broad majority in our country,” he said, referring to the numerous elections next year.
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