Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has defended his administration’s initial focus on foreign policy during a general debate within the Bundestag. Speaking on Wednesday during discussions surrounding the Chancellery budget, Merz emphasized the importance of international partnerships, particularly within Europe.
He cited his participation in recent G7 meetings, the NATO summit and the European Council, explaining that these engagements formed a deliberate strategy. “This marks a shift in Germany’s approach to foreign and security policy” Merz stated. “The German government is once again being seen and, above all, taken seriously on the world stage.
The Chancellor underscored his commitment to cultivating strong relationships with neighboring European nations, specifically mentioning France and Poland, as well as with European NATO member states not within the European Union and with smaller and medium-sized EU countries. “This demonstrates the leadership responsibility I believe a German Chancellor should shoulder and which Europe expects from us” he added.
The general debate on the Chancellery budget is a customary highlight of the budget week, traditionally featuring a robust exchange between the governing coalition and opposition. While often centered on the federal budget, these discussions frequently encompass broader domestic and foreign policy considerations. The debate commenced with remarks from Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the largest opposition party, who had previously criticized the Chancellor’s frequent international travel as a form of “detachment from reality”. Merz responded directly, outlining the rationale behind his diplomatic engagements.