Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) announced that Germany plans to resume contact with the Iranian government. In a statement released on Thursday, he mentioned, “After a long period of silence, which was due to significant reasons on our part, the Federal Government will now also resume discussions with Tehran”. He added that these discussions will happen in coordination with the United States and European partners, stating that their aim is to contribute to the success of upcoming negotiations through this path.
Merz also called on Israel to cease its attacks in Lebanon. Stating that the “situation in southern Lebanon, with the harsh fighting Israel is waging there, could bring the entire peace process to failure, and that cannot happen” he explained that he had also asked Israeli authorities yesterday, alongside other heads of state, to end their intensified attacks.
Furthermore, the Chancellor cautioned against a division within NATO, characterizing the current conflict as a transatlantic stress test that must not further strain the relationships among NATO partners. “NATO is a guarantor of our security-both and especially in Europe. We must remain calm on this issue” Merz remarked. Regarding the free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Federal Government supports it, but Merz clarified that any deployment of the Bundeswehr to secure the passage would require a UN mandate and a decision from the Bundestag.
On the economy, Merz opposed the implementation of a price cap on fuel, despite high gasoline prices. He warned that such a measure could trigger supply shortages. The CDU politician conceded that the state cannot protect citizens from all disruptions in free markets. He confirmed that the discussion should focus on increasing the commuter allowance. Merz did not comment on the possibility of lowering the electricity tax or introducing a speed limit.
