Berlin, Germany – In a speech at the “Tag der Industrie” in Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the country’s stance on recent military actions, rejecting criticism of Israel and the US for their attacks on Iran. Merz stated that there is no reason to criticize the actions of Israel, which began a week prior and the US, which took action over the weekend, as it is a delicate situation, but leaving it as it was was not an option.
The Chancellor also drew parallels with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, describing the conflict as a fight not only for Ukraine’s territory, but also for the freedom, sovereignty and democracy of the international community. Merz vowed that Germany’s resilience will be tested in the long haul of the conflict, urging the private sector to demonstrate its ability to persevere.
In a separate point, Merz highlighted the tax relief measures initiated by his government, calling for a shift in the country’s mindset towards a culture of performance, risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit. The Chancellor also emphasized the need for a remilitarization of the German military, stating that the Bundeswehr must be repositioned at the center of society. Merz criticized the decision to suspend conscription, calling it a mistake in hindsight and urged companies to grant their employees flexibility for military service.