CDU and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for unity among his party, emphasizing that a shared sense of responsibility for the country binds them together. Speaking at the CSU party conference in Munich on Saturday, Merz stated that this responsibility is currently immense because they are facing attacks from extremists both far left and far right. He stressed that in such a time, “CDU/CSU must stand closer together than ever.” Merz asserted that they must not allow “these forces” to take over the nation.
He noted that the country faces extraordinary challenges and must answer a series of fundamental questions. Merz highlighted the pressing concern of how Europe can protect its freedom and security given the growing danger posed by extremists internally and foreign powers externally. Furthermore, he addressed public concerns: how to ensure future jobs and how to make life in Germany affordable and more equitable.
To provide answers to these questions, Merz stressed the necessity of a strong CDU and a strong CSU-a union that acts and fights together, as the future of Germany and Europe depends on it.
This call for unity follows concerns over two distinct ideological threats. Merz sharply criticized “radical left parties in Berlin” for shamelessly inciting against Jewish people, the police, and Israel’s fundamental right to exist. He added that the SPD and Greens appear to be on a path to helping this left wing gain power in the Red City of Berlin. Simultaneously, he warned that a “radical AfD works every day to destabilize Germany, abandon Ukraine, spread the Russian narrative, and isolate Germany.”
Merz explained that tackling these monumental tasks cannot be done solely within Germany; the European Union is essential, especially when defending freedom. He pointed to a massive threat in the East. Since Russia’s war against Ukraine fundamentally shook the European peace order, Merz noted that Russia continues to seek to destabilize Germany. The core conflict is whether the rule of law will dominate in Europe, or if the power of the stronger party will prevail. He firmly stated his refusal to accept this regression into darker times for the continent.
This threat is no longer confined to Ukraine. Across Europe, cyberattacks, sabotage, and assaults on critical infrastructure are occurring constantly. Consequently, the Federal Chancellor stated that their strategy involves investing heavily in protecting freedom, bolstering the police forces, supporting emergency services, and fortifying the Bundeswehr.
