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German Chancellor vows to build the strongest army in Europe

2025-05-15 18:57:56Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
German Chancellor vows to build the strongest army in Europe
Friedrich Merz

"Review of policies and new priorities, aimed at renewing the promise of prosperity for all in the face of great challenges."

This was the main message of Friedrich Merz's first speech as Chancellor in the Bundestag, a week after taking office.

He also promised that the German army would become the strongest conventional army in Europe.

"From now on, the German government will provide all the financial resources the Bundeswehr needs to become the strongest conventional army in Europe," he stressed, adding that this is what Berlin's partners in the EU and NATO are demanding.

Merz focused on the economy and foreign policy, promising "significant improvement" for citizens by the summer, while expressing his support for Ukraine and Israel. At the same time, he praised the work of his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.

Referring to the ongoing recession of the German economy, the German Chancellor spoke of an "unprecedented economic crisis" affecting the country, noting that "never in the past have we experienced such a prolonged lack of economic growth."

As he emphasized, the effects are visible in employment, even in strategic sectors, such as the automotive industry, chemical production, and large machinery.

"The federal government is investing in the creation of a modern state and a digital administration. I belong to a generation that experienced sustainable growth. However, many young people question whether Ludwig Erhard's promise of "prosperity for all" is still true. The government must dispel these doubts and that is why we are investing," he said, stressing that increasing competitiveness is a top priority, while calling on the European Union to reduce bureaucracy.

The labor market will be a central area for the new German government, the Chancellor declared, highlighting the goal of promoting voluntary work after the age of 67, the exemption of overtime from taxes, and greater flexibility in calculating working hours, based on weeks rather than days.

However, regarding the minimum wage, he stated that it is “feasible and desirable” for it to increase to 15 euros/hour by 2026, but clarified that this “will not be legally guaranteed,” as it has been until now. Merz also promised incentives and investments for the construction of new buildings, with the aim of providing affordable housing.

"We are a country of immigration, but..."

"Germany is a country of immigration - that's how it has been and that's how it will remain," continued Friedrich Merz. "We want to remain a friendly country that particularly respects those who have come here, live and work with us," added the chancellor.

However, he stressed that Germany is allowing too many "low-skilled" immigrants, which he said needs to change.

"We need a new immigration policy in the interest of our country's well-being," he said, and also referred to the "fundamental duty of every German government to ensure the preservation of freedom in the country."

"This requires a domestic policy that effectively addresses threats to freedom. Citizens deserve the highest level of security and protection. We will never tolerate increased aggression and violence against our forces," he stressed, referring to frequent attacks on police officers.

Support for Ukraine, praise for Scholz

As a focal point of his policy, Friedrich Merz cited the war in Ukraine and the need to strengthen Germany's defense capabilities.

"We all share the desire for a just, sustainable and workable solution in Ukraine. Better today than tomorrow," he stressed and spoke of three conditions for continued support for Ukraine.

"We are not involved in the war, but we are not disinterested third parties or neutral mediators," said Mertz, calling for participation in supporting Ukraine by Europeans and Americans, and the rejection of any suspicion of a "dictated peace" or submission to military decisions to the detriment of Ukraine.

"Russia has violated all the rules that are written for peaceful coexistence," he declared, adding that the outcome of the war will also determine whether law and order or military power, tyranny and the law of the strongest will prevail in Europe.


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