German Election: Merz Vows Strong European Leadership In Final Push

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Merz Vows Strong European Leadership in Final Push for German Chancellorship

Berlin, Germany – With Germany’s federal election just days away, Friedrich Merz, the conservative CDU/CSU candidate for Chancellor, has doubled down on his commitment to a stronger, more assertive European Union. In a series of final campaign rallies across the country, Merz has emphasized his vision for a reformed EU capable of navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape. He's pitched this vision directly against the Social Democrats' Olaf Scholz, portraying Scholz's approach as insufficiently proactive.

Merz's closing argument centers on three key pillars: economic strength, security, and international leadership. He has repeatedly criticized the current government's handling of the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing energy crisis, promising a more fiscally responsible and business-friendly approach to revitalize Germany’s economy. Specifically, he's pledged tax reforms aimed at stimulating investment and job creation, while simultaneously promising a balanced budget. This commitment to fiscal discipline stands in contrast to Scholz's pledges for continued investment in social programs and infrastructure.

On security, Merz has stressed the need for a more robust European defense capability, advocating for increased defense spending and closer military cooperation between EU member states. He has pointed to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the rise of assertive powers like China and Russia as evidence of the need for a strengthened European security architecture. This message resonates with a segment of the German population increasingly concerned about national security in the face of these geopolitical shifts. He’s explicitly called for a more assertive role for the EU in NATO, moving away from what he terms a “passive” role.

Finally, Merz has presented a vision of Germany at the helm of a more assertive and influential EU on the world stage. He advocates for a more proactive approach to foreign policy, including a strengthened partnership with the United States and a more robust engagement with key international organizations. He has implicitly criticized the SPD's approach as too hesitant and reactive, arguing that Germany needs to play a leading role in shaping the future direction of the EU and its global role.

However, Merz faces an uphill battle. Recent polls suggest a close race, but Scholz and the SPD still hold a slight lead. Merz’s conservative stance on issues like immigration and climate change has alienated some voters, while the SPD continues to benefit from the relatively high approval ratings of the current government, despite challenges. The Green Party, led by Annalena Baerbock, is also a significant contender, attracting significant support amongst younger voters particularly concerned about environmental issues.

The final days of the campaign will be crucial. Merz’s focus on strong European leadership, economic revitalization, and enhanced security aims to consolidate support within his traditional base and attract undecided voters. However, whether this message is enough to overcome the momentum of his opponents remains to be seen. The election outcome will have significant implications not only for Germany but also for the future direction of the European Union itself. The results will be closely watched across the continent and beyond.