German Chancellor Merz: Freedom and Peace in Europe Are at Risk
Speaking at a CSU party congress in Munich, Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned of growing threats to freedom, peace, and democracy across Europe and urged leaders not to become distracted by domestic debates.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the Christian Social Union (CSU) party congress in Munich, highlighting deep concerns about the future of freedom and peace in Europe. He urged political leaders to focus less on internal debates and more on the major external challenges, emphasizing that true responsibility lies in protecting values such as freedom, peace, open society, and market economy. According to Merz, these fundamental principles and democracy itself are facing significant threats in today’s changing world.
Merz described recent shifts in global power dynamics not as ordinary fluctuations but as a profound ‘tectonic shift,’ stressing that Germany and Europe are at the center of these transformations. He cautioned that the pressure resulting from the United States’ new security strategy will mean America is likely to prioritize its own national interests more strongly in the future. While the ongoing war in Ukraine remained a key backdrop to discussions, Merz did not address negotiations for ending the conflict directly during his speech.
The chancellor referenced recent debates in Germany, such as the passage in the Federal Parliament of a law guaranteeing a minimum pension level of 48 percent. The discussion surrounding this policy had sparked uncertainty within the ruling coalition, especially amid criticism from younger lawmakers. However, Merz argued that, in the long run, questions about such specific policies will be less important than broader efforts to safeguard Europe’s freedom and stability.
