National Freedom ‘At Risk’ Says Merz as He Cautions Against ‘Dictated Peace’ in the Eastern European Nation
Opening the debate in the German parliament, Leader the head of government set out the stakes this fall, declaring that Germany faces decisions “not about details, but about very fundamental issues” that will define its future.
“It is essential to adopt a sober look at the current situation in order to select the right path for our nation,” he remarked.
He emphasized that “our freedom is endangered” with a increasing “feeling of vulnerability,” adding that the country’s financial system is also “strained” from “an emerging trend in protectionism.”
He also warned against “political forces at home and abroad” that question unity and undermine German democracy.
On security, he began by saying that the Russian invasion of Ukraine “has a very concrete impact on our lives,” and stressed: “We want this war to end.”
But he acknowledged that “it is likely it will continue for some time.”
Merz stressed that “ending it at the expense of Ukraine’s political sovereignty and territorial integrity is out of the question,” and warned that “a dictated peace” could “further motivate Putin to seek his subsequent goal.”
He then censured recent Moscow’s unmanned aerial violations into the Polish territory and Romania.
“Putin has long been testing the limits,” he commented, but stressed:
This will not be tolerated this.
‘National Defense Readiness Is Essential’, the Chancellor Says
Merz repeated his frequent stance on defense, stating:
Our aim is to be able to defend ourselves so that we do not have to defend ourselves.
Additionally, he highlighted a wider argument about the necessity of modernizing the country, its civil protection plans, and the military.
He also addressed economic relations, including looking for new partners “in an increasingly complex world.”
He said that “the separation between internal and external affairs is simply obsolete,” as the government’s actions abroad “help maintain liberty, peace and economic well-being at home.”
He also mentioned advancements on his administration’s goal to lower the number of refugee requests in response to growing migratory pressures.
