Merz: “The state is all of us.”
In his first policy statement, the new Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz appealed for greater community spirit and confidence in the country’s strength.
Berlin (dpa/d.de) – In his first policy statement to parliament, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a joint effort by everyone in Germany to move the country forward. “The state is all of us,” he told the Bundestag. “We can overcome any challenge – no matter how great – by drawing on our own strength.”
Merz identified three key priorities: prosperity, security and social cohesion. In this connection he referred to a promise dating back to the early years of the Federal Republic: “Our aim is to govern with a view to renewing the promise of ‘prosperity for all’,” said Merz. This phrase was originally coined by then Economics Minister and later Chancellor Ludwig Erhard.
In particular, the CDU leader announced that there would be more deportations of those foreigners who do not have the right to remain, while at the same emphasising that Germany was a country of immigration. Merz said he wanted to make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in Europe. He also pledged ongoing strong support for Ukraine. “Rest assured: Germany is not at war, nor will we allow ourselves to be drawn in,” said Merz.
The first signs of the new government’s promised shift in policy were to be felt by the summer, the Federal Chancellor said.