Friedrich Merz Emphasizes Security and Economic Strength at CDU Party Congress

At the CDU party congress held in Stuttgart, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed party delegates on the pressing challenges facing Germany and Europe. His speech centered on the shifting global political landscape, the significance of security, and the need for economic resilience in the face of current crises.

Merz began by highlighting the erosion of the established international order, pointing to ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine as evidence of an increasingly unstable world. He stressed the necessity for realistic foreign policy approaches and warned against adopting overly idealistic stances that could inadvertently contribute to future conflicts. According to Merz, simply appeasing aggressors does not lead to lasting peace but instead may encourage further hostilities.

The Chancellor underscored that Europe must adapt to a world defined by power politics, arguing that stability, security, and the protection of freedoms now require increased vigilance and defensive capabilities. He called for a robust European response to new global realities, including strengthening both the continent's defense mechanisms and its economic foundations. In his address, Merz advocated for enhanced European cooperation to ensure the continent's autonomy in technology and other strategic sectors, stating that technological sovereignty is essential for economic competitiveness and political independence.

Within the economic sphere, Merz criticized what he described as excessive regulatory measures from the European Union, suggesting that overregulation hampers innovation and growth. His remarks on reducing bureaucratic hurdles received strong support from party members in attendance. He also linked economic strength to national security, emphasizing that a resilient economy is fundamental to defending democratic values and freedoms.

Merz took the opportunity to address recent political debates, specifically referencing the opposition of certain parties to the Mercosur trade agreement. He pointed out that both the Green Party and the Alternative for Germany (AfD) had aligned in their resistance to the deal, highlighting the complexities of coalition politics at the European level.

The party congress was attended by a significant number of delegates and guests, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel was welcomed with a lengthy round of applause, reflecting her enduring influence within the party. While Merz acknowledged Merkel's role during the reunification of Germany, he largely focused his speech on current challenges and the path forward for the CDU.

Addressing internal criticism, Merz responded to concerns about the pace and ambition of reforms since taking office. He admitted that some expectations may have been set too high initially and recognized the need for patience as the government works to implement significant changes. Merz reiterated his commitment to ongoing reform efforts and stressed that meaningful progress would require time and persistence.

Throughout the congress, participants were scheduled to vote on party leadership positions, including the chairmanship and the executive board. In addition, the agenda featured the discussion of hundreds of policy proposals, reflecting the party's broad engagement with current political and economic issues. The event brought together over a thousand delegates and guests from Germany and abroad, underscoring the CDU's ongoing role in shaping the nation's political direction.