Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) aims to strengthen Germany’s presence in Europe during his tenure. In his first government statement in the Bundestag, he said, “Germany will take initiatives to revive the European idea of freedom and peace.” He added that Europe should “live up to its claim and significance in the world.”
Merz emphasized that Europe looks to Germany and expects something from them, especially in terms of an external and security policy that serves a strong Europe and is guided by their interests and common European values.
He mentioned that he traveled to Paris and Warsaw right after taking office, agreeing with the French President Emmanuel Macron on a comprehensive restart of the German-French relations. He also highlighted the importance of the relationship with Poland for the new government.
Regarding his predecessor, Olaf Scholz (SPD), Merz spoke in a more conciliatory tone. He praised Scholz’s leadership during exceptional crises and his response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine as groundbreaking and historical.
In terms of Ukraine policy, Merz committed to further supporting Ukraine and emphasized the importance of coordination with Western partners. The new government aims to make the Bundeswehr the “strongest conventional army in Europe” as it is appropriate for the most populous and economically powerful country in Europe.