Merz Aims for New German Government by Easter

In a recent statement, Friedrich Merz, the CDU's chancellor candidate, expressed his intent to form a new government within two months if successful in the upcoming Bundestag elections. He stated his hope that the process of forming a government would be completed by Easter, describing this timeline as ambitious yet necessary.

Merz emphasized the urgency of establishing a new administration, which he believes must make critical decisions by the summer recess to improve the investment climate and job market in Germany. He articulated the importance of stopping the decline in investment capital and job opportunities, highlighting the CDU's 15-point immediate action plan as a roadmap for his priorities.

The plan includes key initiatives such as addressing illegal migration, introducing an active retirement scheme, and reducing electricity costs through a decrease in energy taxes and network fees. The CDU approved this action plan at their recent party congress, and it is set to be implemented immediately upon forming a government.

Recent polling indicates that the CDU is leading significantly ahead of other parties ahead of the elections scheduled for February 23. Current projections suggest that the CDU could form a coalition either with the SPD or the Greens, although any partnership with the AfD is firmly ruled out by all mainstream parties.

In another development, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) held a special party congress in Potsdam, calling for a revitalized approach to their campaign strategy. FDP Vice-Chairman Wolfgang Kubicki urged party members to convey a message of optimism and readiness to fight for their policies. He acknowledged the challenges posed by low polling numbers but expressed confidence in the potential for a turnaround, targeting undecided voters as key to their strategy.

The FDP plans to endorse a statement of principles outlining nine conditions necessary for any future coalition agreements, with a clear preference for collaboration with the CDU over the Greens. Kubicki also mentioned the need for a significant shift in economic and migration policies to resonate with voters.

Meanwhile, the CDU's Michael Kretschmer indicated a lack of interest in a coalition with the Greens, suggesting that their policy positions on migration and climate issues differ too greatly. He noted that the SPD might be more aligned with the CDU's vision, particularly regarding the need to limit the number of asylum seekers in Germany to manageable levels.

The impending election has also led to discussions about the format of televised debates, with commentators suggesting that traditional one-on-one formats may need to evolve to accommodate multiple candidates. As the election date approaches, the political landscape continues to shift, with various parties recalibrating their strategies to secure voter support.

In response to recent criticism regarding immigration policies, Söder of the CSU urged the churches to focus on political issues more aligned with Christian values, rather than interfere with the CDU's stance on migration. He emphasized the CDU's commitment to maintaining strong ties with religious institutions.

As election day nears, public demonstrations against right-wing extremism have occurred in major cities, with thousands participating in rallies to promote democratic values and denounce any collaboration with the AfD. These events, organized by various civic groups, reflect a growing concern among citizens about the implications of far-right politics in Germany.