Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has expressed surprise at criticism regarding his focus on foreign policy during his initial weeks in office. Addressing a gathering of German ambassadors at the Federal Foreign Office on Monday, Merz argued that, in the current global climate, domestic policy, economic policy, trade policy and migration policy cannot be considered in isolation from their foreign and security policy implications.
He questioned the notion of rigidly separating “domestic policy” and “foreign policy” stating that such a distinction offers a “false sense of security”. He further elaborated that the engagement of the German government in international affairs is fundamentally aimed at preserving peace, freedom and prosperity within the country. He has urged ambassadors to prioritize this guiding principle in their work at foreign representations.
Merz cautioned against an isolationist approach, warning that ignoring conflicts and aggressors abroad could be detrimental. He emphasized that Germany is interconnected with the world, highlighting the close ties with European friends and neighbors as evidence of the intertwined nature of internal and external decisions. Ultimately, he asserted that Germany’s commitment to its international partners is essential for the nation’s stability and future.