The move has sparked considerable debate within German political circles and beyond. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz, head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has broken established protocol by releasing a Christmas address to the nation, a traditionally reserved privilege of the Federal President. While ostensibly directed at CDU members in a video circulated on Christmas Eve, the speech quickly transitioned into a message ostensibly delivered in his capacity as Chancellor.
Merz’s address pivoted quickly from party affiliation to a broader geopolitical outlook, emphasizing the perceived responsibility of his government extending “far beyond Germany”. He framed the coming months as critical for “freedom, peace, security and prosperity” across “our entire continent” projecting a vision of European unity and shared purpose. This ambitious scope, some analysts suggest, serves as a deliberate attempt to solidify the CDU’s position as a central force in European affairs, potentially challenging the traditional German emphasis on multilateralism.
A telling moment within the speech involved a candid acknowledgement addressed directly to CDU members, acknowledging that the current coalition partnership with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) has presented challenges. Merz conceded that the arrangement has “demanded” much of the CDU, admitting to “discussions” and acknowledging that progress has not always been seamless. The call for “patience and a long breath” signals an awareness of internal pressures and potential dissatisfaction within his own party regarding the compromises inherent in coalition governance.
The Chancellor also employed the customary expressions of gratitude toward essential workers – firefighters, healthcare providers, police officers and, significantly, the soldiers of the Bundeswehr – subtly reinforcing the impression of a government actively engaged in ensuring national security.
Observers suggest the content and the extraordinarily early recording – completed last Friday – of Merz’s upcoming New Year’s address, likely foreshadows a continuation of this assertive, politically charged tone. The deviation from established custom and the implicit attempt to occupy the symbolic space typically reserved for the Federal President, raises questions about the evolving dynamics of power within the German government and a possible strategy by the CDU to cultivate a more proactive and visible leadership role on both a national and European stage. Critics are already questioning whether this action blurs the boundaries of political responsibility and undermines the perceived impartiality of high office.
