In a New Year’s address similar to the traditional one by the German Federal Chancellor, Green Party’s Robert Habeck, the candidate for Chancellor, has spoken to the public, advocating for a “strong Europe”.
Following the destruction of Europe in World War II, Germany became part of a unified, free Europe, Habeck said. Europe was intended as a peace and freedom project. “This Europe is the only chance for Germany to maintain freedom, security, and prosperity in the new world of autocrats.” A strong Europe, which practices “democratic power politics” is the response.
“It is no coincidence that apologists of authoritarian sentiments try to weaken Europe, and a strong EU is a counterbalance and a competitor to their claim” the Green Party politician said. “If Elon Musk, equipped with not only billions and billions but also unbridled communication power, endorses the AfD in Germany, it is not due to ignorance of the AfD. It has logic and a system.” Musk strengthens those who weaken Europe. “A weak Europe is in the interest of those for whom regulation is an unacceptable limitation of their power. But power needs to be limited. No business model should destroy our democracy.”
Europe must, therefore, “know how to consistently use its power now.” By this, Habeck means “the power of the world’s largest internal market.” “No one should be intimidated by anyone because of their power. We must meet those who want to weaken us with strength.” To achieve this, the European Union should focus less on the inside and more on the outside, and do more for its external security.
According to Habeck, the NATO member states in the EU should, along with the UK, establish a “strong security pillar” in the alliance, with a joint procurement and arms policy. A new federal government must, in the opinion of the Green Party politician, “fully commit to the European idea.” It must build bridges in Europe, win majorities, and conduct a European alliance policy, Habeck said.