At the CDU party conference in Berlin, party leader Friedrich Merz emphasizes the need to end what he calls Germany’s “economic wrong-way driver” under the current government. Merz positions the CDU as an alternative to the current coalition and expresses the party’s readiness to take on the responsibility of governing. He criticizes the decline in trust in the German economy under the current government and calls for a change in economic and social policies.
Merz calls for a shift in economic and social policies, expressing deep concern about the structural crisis facing the German economy. He emphasizes the need for reliable policies that reward hard work rather than punishing it. He criticizes the concept of the reformed “Bürgergeld” proposed by the current government, advocating for a new system of social security that will make the welfare state more effective. Merz also highlights the importance of the agricultural sector and proposes tax relief for overwork and work during retirement.
In addition, Merz calls for increased investment in defense capabilities to secure peace and freedom, citing the current threats to freedom as serious. He mentions the need for the CDU to differentiate itself from other parties and take a stand against the far-right AfD party, especially in the upcoming elections in East Germany. Merz expresses confidence in the party’s ability to win elections and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the CSU.
Merz rejects criticism and distrust towards the German democracy from both left and right extremists, highlighting the country’s achievements in freedom, peace, and prosperity over the past seven decades. He emphasizes the CDU’s role in shaping the country’s policies for over 50 years and underlines the party’s commitment to freedom and responsibility in the new party program.
The CDU is set to present a new party program on Tuesday, aiming to reposition itself with a focus on a “weltoffenen Patriotismus” and a German “Leitkultur.” The program emphasizes fundamental rights, respect, tolerance, language and historical knowledge, and recognition of Israel’s right to exist as essential components of German identity. The party asserts that embracing these values is necessary to be considered truly German.
Merz concludes his speech by stating that the CDU is ready to assume government responsibility either immediately or by the fall of the following year, even in the event of early elections. He stresses the need for Germany to be governed effectively and does not address the issue of who would be chancellor in the event of a change in government.
