“Change of Policy”, new priorities and renewal of the promise of “prosperity for all” in Germany ahead of “big challenges” was the central message of the first “Chancellor statement” to the Bundestag for Friedrich Mertz, a week after taking up his duties.
Specifically, Friedrich Mertz put a great deal of emphasis on economics and foreign policy, while promising a “noticeable improvement” for citizens in the summer, proclaimed his support in Ukraine and Israel, while praising the work done by Olf Saltz for Germany.
Referring to the ongoing recession of the German economy, the Chancellor spoke of “unprecedented financial crisis»In Germany, pointing out that ‘We had never had so far experienced such a long period without economic growth».
Are at stake, he stressed, jobs, Even in key sectors, such as the automotive industry, the production of chemicals and large machines.
Even tried once again to justify his decision to consent to the lifting of the ‘debt brake’ and to ‘borrowing xxl“, Referring to investment in Infrastructure, to streets, to railways, to education of all levels, in research.
“The federal government is investing in a modern state and in a digital administration (…) I belong to a generation for which things have always been upward (…) Many young people now doubt whether Ludwig Earhar’s promise is still valid,”prosperity for all».
The migration and the increase in wages
The government must dismantle these doubts and that is why we are investing, “he said and highlighted the strengthening of competitiveness as an absolute priority, asking the European Union to limit bureaucracy.
The labor market will be an important field of the new government, the Chancellor said, referring to voluntary continuation of work after 67 years, tax -free overtime and greater flexibility with calculation of weekly rather than daily working hours.
Regarding the minimum wage, however, he said it was “feasible and desirable” to increase within 2026 to 15 euros/h, but made it clear that this “will not be legislated”, as it has been so far. Mr Mertz also promised incentives and investments for the construction of new buildings, with the aim of providing an affordable price.
“Germany is a country of immigration – so it was and will remain,” Friedrich Mertz continued, stressing that “we want to remain a friendly country that specially respects those who have come here, live and work with us,” but also pointed out that Germany “
“We need a new immigration policy in the interests of our country’s well -being,” he also said and also referred to “the basic task of each German government to ensure that freedom in the country is maintained.”
It requires “an internal policy that will effectively deal with threats against freedom. Citizens deserve the highest level of security and protection. We will never tolerate the increase in aggression and violence against our forces, “he said, looking at the frequent attacks on police officers.
The foreign policy
Mr. Mertz made a special reference to anti -Semitism and Israel. “Germany must be and remain a safe haven for the Jews. Cooperation with Israel is a miracle, but also a gift from the state of Israel and Israeli society. The existence and security of the State of Israel is and remain a state check for us, “he repeated.
He then added that this historical responsibility was re -specific on October 7, 2023. “I would like to tell our Israeli friends at this point: We are steadily standing by Israel’s side. This also includes Germany’s commitment to rapid peace in the region, a ceasefire, the liberation of all Hamas hostages and humanitarian aid for the population in Gaza, “Mr Mertz added and referred to the risk of starvation in Gaza.
«Is a humanitarian obligation“He said characteristically, while from the benches of the left some MPs were shouting” Genocide! ” As a central point in his policy, Friedrich Mertz mentioned the war in Ukraine and the need to strengthen Germany’s defensive potential.
“We all share the desire for a fair, constant and sustainable solution to Ukraine. Better today than tomorrow, “he said and referred to three conditions, the continuation of Ukraine support -” clarifying that we are not involved in war, but we are not unknowingly third or neutral intermediaries ” -participating in the support of Ukraine and Europeans and the US at the expense of Ukraine.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine
This situation of uncertainty will continue to influence Europe for the coming years, the Chancellor predicted and spoke of “the greatest attack by rivals and enemies of liberal democracy” that Europe received after the end of World War II.
«Russia has violated all rules written for peaceful coexistence“, He said, to add that the outcome of the war would also judge whether the law and order or military power, tyranny and law of the strongest would prevail in Europe.
On the issue of Ukraine, Mr. Mertz also praised the former Chancellor Allaf Saltzwho was in the room. “I did not agree with all the decisions of the previous government, but this is not unusual in a democracy. You, Mr Salt, and your government have driven Germany in times of emergency crises. Your response to Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine was pioneering and historic. That is why, we would like to express our gratitude once again today: my personal thanks and I hope in the recognition of the whole House and the whole of our country, “the Chancellor said to his predecessor, with the look at the” bend spot “at the” bend spot “. Armed Forces.
“There are a few lessons from recent history that can be applied so accurately to the present. The lesson is now simple: Power prevents attackers, while their weakness invites them to aggression (…) Anyone who seriously believes that Russia would be satisfied with a victory over Ukraine or with the attachment of parts of the country is wrong“Friedrich Mertz warned.
He also said that Germany, as Europe’s most populous and economically stronger country, must meet its responsibilities, as is essentially required by its NATO partners. “From now on, the German government will provide all the financial resources that Bundeswehr needs to make the strongest contractual army in Europe,” Chancellor Mertz concluded.