Stricter border controls “from day one,” strengthening Germany’s defense capabilities, economic success, and a push for the political center were promised by Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and likely future chancellor. Speaking at his party’s conference, he justified the abandonment of the “debt brake” and proposed alignment of technological standards with the United States so that comprehensive technical inspections would no longer be necessary.

“What is really wrong with aligning technological standards so that comprehensive technical inspection procedures can be eliminated?” Mr. Merz asked, arguing that “if we propose this to the Americans, there may be an opportunity to turn the current trade crisis into a great opportunity for both America and Europe and show the world that it is not tariffs and higher barriers that create prosperity, but free trade and open markets.”

“We are experiencing a state that no longer delivers”

Referring to Germany’s economic problems, Friedrich Merz admitted that they are not solely due to the outgoing government, “but they have been worsened by ideologically-driven economic policies, by NGOs that had more influence in most federal government ministries than experts in economic policy.”

He also expressed understanding for the disappointment of many CDU voters over his change of stance on the “debt brake” and emphasized that “with the work that starts now, the work of persuasion must also begin so that citizens see this step as necessary, at least in retrospect.”

“In Germany, we are experiencing a state that no longer delivers. An economy that is losing its leadership in the global market and a social system that is increasingly at risk of becoming unaffordable. The world rightfully expects us to change this. The government has a duty to succeed,” he added. Referring to the rise of the far-right, he warned of the danger, “if we do not have a government whose work satisfies the majority, we could end up in situations that many European neighbors are already familiar with, with governments at risk of losing their ability to function due to strong far-right parties,” Merz said.

“It is our duty to prevent AfD’s success, we are not involved in the war in Ukraine”

The CDU and SPD have a “common duty” to prevent further success of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), stated the future chancellor.

Friedrich Merz also promised even stricter border controls “from day one” of his term, acknowledging that immigration has been a concern for the country for the past ten years without finding a solution. “Germany has been a country of immigration for decades and will remain so for years and decades to come. Immigrants are and will remain welcome. This will not change with a change in our policy,” assured Mr. Merz.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, the CDU leader reiterated that Germany “is not involved in the war and does not intend to get involved, but it is not a passive third party.” There should be no doubt about which side we are on, he added, stressing: “We have many years ahead of us, during which we must constantly expand our defense capabilities and our mental readiness for defense. This is in Germany’s interest,” he said, adding that “Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression is also a fight to preserve freedom and peace in Germany,” which, as he said, is directly threatened by Russia.