Camilla Jessen
Friedrich Merz pushes back against any deal that forces Ukraine into territorial losses.
Germany’s new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, made a strong appeal on Wednesday for unity in the West and firm support for Ukraine.
Speaking in his first general policy speech before Parliament, he said that Ukraine should not be pushed into accepting a peace deal on Russia’s terms.
He called on European countries and the United States to reject what he described as a “peace dictated” by Moscow.
“Ukraine must not be forced against its will to accept territorial concessions,” Merz said, according to Le Monde.
He also stressed the need for unity: “It is of capital importance that the West not allow itself to be divided over this conflict.”
Merz said the West must “maintain the greatest possible unity between European and American partners.”
Germany Aims for Economic Recovery
The Chancellor also turned his focus to Germany’s economy, which has been struggling for years. Merz said he was determined to bring back growth and make Germany strong again.
“Germany can once again become an economic locomotive admired by the whole world,” he said. He pointed out that Germany has been through its longest period without growth in modern history.
“We have never known such a long period without economic growth in the history of our country,” he said. “Our economy is still largely competitive, but the framework conditions are no longer there.”
To fix this, Merz promised new policies, including tax cuts, lower energy prices, and fewer rules and costs for businesses.
Germany Plans to Build EU’s Strongest Army
Merz also made big promises about defense. He said Germany will take on more responsibility for Europe’s security by building the EU’s strongest army.
“The federal government will provide all the financial resources the Bundeswehr needs to become the strongest conventional army in Europe,” Merz told lawmakers.
He said this is not just the right step for Germany, as the EU’s most populous and wealthy country, but something that allies expect.
“This is more than adequate for the most populous and economically powerful country in Europe. Our friends and partners also expect this from us and, moreover, they even demand it,” he said.
Part of the plan includes military support for Ukraine. Merz’s government has already made a historic decision to allow large defense loans, worth hundreds of billions of euros, which could help fund that support.
He made clear that Germany will stay committed to helping Ukraine. “There must be no doubt about our position,” he said. “Namely, unconditionally on the side of the Ukrainians.”