German Liberty ‘Under Threat’ Says the Chancellor as He Warns Against ‘Dictated Peace’ in Ukraine
Kicking off the debate in the German parliament, Leader the head of government set out the critical issues this fall, stating that the nation confronts decisions “not about details, but about very fundamental issues” that will shape its destiny.
“It is essential to adopt a sober look at reality in order to select the correct path for our nation,” he said.
He emphasized that “national liberty is under threat” with a increasing “sense of insecurity,” adding that the country’s economic model is also “strained” from “an emerging trend in protectionism.”
Additionally, he cautioned against “political forces at home and abroad” that question social cohesion and undermine German democracy.
On defense matters, he started by saying that the Moscow’s aggression of the neighboring country “directly affects on our lives,” and stressed: “We want this war to end.”
But he acknowledged that “it is likely it will continue for a while longer.”
The chancellor emphasized that “concluding the conflict at the expense of the nation’s political sovereignty and borders is out of the question,” and alerted that “a dictated peace” could “further motivate the Russian leader to seek his next target.”
He then censured recent Moscow’s unmanned aerial violations into the Polish territory and Romania.
“The Kremlin has repeatedly testing the limits,” he said, but made clear:
We will not allow this.
‘National Defense Readiness Is Essential’, Merz Affirms
Merz repeated his regular line on defense, asserting:
Our aim is to be able to defend ourselves so that we do not have to defend ourselves.
Additionally, he highlighted a wider argument about the importance of updating the country, its emergency preparedness systems, and the army.
He also addressed trade, including looking for new partners “amid growing global challenges.”
He noted that “the separation between internal and external affairs is simply outdated,” as the government’s actions abroad “help maintain liberty, stability and economic well-being at home.”
He also mentioned progress on his government’s mission to reduce the number of asylum applications in response to growing migratory pressures.
