Stuttgart/Berlin – This is the first CDU party conference in five years with the CDU again fielding a Chancellor: For more than an hour, CDU leader and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (70) outlined the guiding principles of his policies. He explained, motivated, thundered – and occasionally launched attacks on political opponents.
Merz’s core message: Under his chancellorship, Germany should “perform at its best” again. This would require many reforms. “I don’t just want to moderate. I want to drive things forward, I want to motivate us to peak performance! Germany must perform at its best, otherwise we won’t achieve what we require to,” Merz said.
Merz: Doesn’t Consider Germans Lazy
The Chancellor made it clear: “Hard work is done in Germany. We are a country of achievers, and doers.” He is often accused of thinking Germans are lazy. “That is a malicious accusation,” Merz thundered. However, he added: “Our performance is being stifled by a corset of bureaucracy.” This must change, according to Merz. We find too many regulations and laws that paralyze the economy.
the black-red coalition must reform the social state. “A modern social state creates more incentives and fewer prohibitions,” Merz said, addressing the SPD: “Together we have the task of getting things in order in Germany.” Reforms must progress in the coming weeks.
Taking on XXL Debt Was a “Heavy Burden”
The Chancellor also spoke about his most challenging decision to date: taking on the XXL debt (up to 1000 billion euros) at the beginning of his term. “I am particularly well aware that opening up to new debt was a heavy burden,” Merz said: “This decision was perhaps the most difficult I have had to develop in the last twelve months. It was the right decision for Germany.”
Merz said he now considers his nickname “Foreign Minister” a compliment, stating that Germany can only be strong if it is recognized and well-connected internationally. That is also why he has traveled abroad a lot, especially at the beginning of his term.
Merz sharply criticized the Greens and AfD, stating they jointly voted against the trade agreement with South America (Mercosur) in the European Parliament, which he called an unbelievable event.
Merkel Wears Green…
The Chancellor spoke in the presence of his predecessor and rival, Angela Merkel (71, CDU). Both greeted each other warmly at the beginning of the party conference, even joking a little. During Merz’s speech, Merkel listened attentively, sometimes looking skeptical.
Merkel apparently deliberately chose a green blazer and a black-green necklace: a hidden message to voters in Baden-Württemberg, where a new state parliament will be elected in two weeks…
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the core message of Friedrich Merz’s speech?
Merz’s core message was that Germany should “perform at its best” under his chancellorship, requiring numerous reforms to achieve this goal.
What did Merz say about accusations that he believes Germans are lazy?
Merz stated that the accusation he believes Germans are lazy is a “malicious accusation,” clarifying that he believes hard work is done in Germany, but that the country’s performance is hindered by bureaucracy.
What did Merz say about his most difficult decision as Chancellor?
Merz identified taking on the “XXL debt” of up to 1000 billion euros at the beginning of his term as the most difficult decision he has had to make in the last twelve months, but maintained it was the right decision for Germany.
As the CDU convenes to discuss the future direction of Germany, what role will internal party cohesion play in the success of Chancellor Merz’s agenda?
