National Freedom ‘Under Threat’ Says the Chancellor as He Warns Against ‘Forced Settlement’ in Ukraine
Kicking off the debate in the German parliament, Leader Friedrich Merz set out the stakes this autumn, stating that the nation faces choices “concerning core principles rather than minor aspects” that will define its destiny.
“We must take a clear-eyed look at reality in order to select the correct path for our nation,” he remarked.
He stressed that “our freedom is endangered” with a growing “feeling of vulnerability,” adding that the country’s economic model is also “under pressure” from “a new form of protectionism.”
Additionally, he cautioned against “factions at home and abroad” that challenge unity and undermine German democracy.
On defense matters, he began by noting that the Moscow’s aggression of Ukraine “directly affects on our lives,” and asserted: “We want this war to end.”
But he acknowledged that “it is likely it will continue for a while longer.”
The chancellor emphasized that “ending it at the expense of the nation’s independence and borders is out of the question,” and alerted that “a dictated peace” could “only encourage Putin to seek his subsequent goal.”
He then condemned recent Moscow’s unmanned aerial violations into the Polish territory and the Romanian airspace.
“The Kremlin has repeatedly testing the limits,” he said, but made clear:
We will not allow this.
‘We Want to Be Able to Defend Ourselves’, the Chancellor Says
The leader repeated his regular line on defense, stating:
We want to be able to defend ourselves so that we won’t need to defend ourselves.
But he also made a broader point about the necessity of modernizing the country, its emergency preparedness systems, and the army.
He also talked about economic relations, including seeking new partners “amid growing global challenges.”
He noted that “the distinction between domestic and foreign policy is simply outdated,” as the government’s actions abroad “serve to preserve liberty, stability and prosperity at home.”
He also referenced advancements on his government’s mission to reduce the number of asylum applications in response to growing migratory pressures.
