Merz urges Germans to embrace difficult reforms to navigate “difficult time”
(MENAFN) Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Friday that Germans must embrace difficult and unpopular reforms to navigate the “difficult time” facing the country. He made the remarks during a public event in Saarbruecken marking 35 years since German reunification, an occasion that was overshadowed by discussions of national challenges rather than celebration.
“Our nation is in the midst of an important, perhaps decisive, phase in its modern history,” Merz said. “Many things must change if they are to remain as good as they are, or even to improve.” He urged Germans to “regroup and look forward with confidence and energy” and to find “new unity in our country.”
Among his priorities, Merz highlighted military strengthening, citing what he described as threats from “new alliances of autocracies” and attacks on Germany’s “liberal way of life” from both outside and within. “We must learn to defend ourselves again,” he stressed.
Germany has positioned itself as a major supporter of Kyiv in the ongoing conflict with Moscow. Merz has advocated for the “economic exhaustion” of Russia, while acknowledging that Germany is facing a “structural crisis” rather than just temporary difficulties. The country experienced a recession last year and is projected to see little to no growth this year, according to IMF forecasts.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the reunification celebrations at Merz’s invitation, delivered a similar message, urging Europeans to embrace difficult choices. “Our generation has a choice. To choose or allow the extremes, which are false promises in the face of this doubt, or to stand up again and decide to embrace our new era and make it an era of boldness and determination,” Macron said.
Macron’s appearance was criticized by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who suggested that Merz should have invited a figure from Eastern Europe or Eastern Germany instead.
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