Chancellor Merz speaks sharply about the situation in Germany. “The illusion of prosperity will not last”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, commenting on the planned reforms of pensions and health care, told the weekly “Spiegel” on Wednesday that he was dissatisfied with the atmosphere in the country. He warned that Germany cannot continue the policies of the last 20 years and its illusion of prosperity will not survive.

In the context of the government's planned pension and health care reform package, which includes, among others: limiting free spousal insurance, higher drug subsidies and increasing premiums for people with higher incomes, Merz admitted that he was dissatisfied with the atmosphere in the country.

– How can I express this without it being immediately distorted? We have lived in peace for over 80 years, and East and West Germany have been reunited for 36 years. Now we are experiencing a profound breakthrough. This is not an open war in the middle of Europe, but the consequences are probably no less. We need to prepare for this, but we have not managed to do it yet, because many people want to keep their privileges and defend themselves against any change, said the Chancellor.

According to Merz, Germany must overcome stagnation and show that it can change and keep up with changes in the world. – It's about trust, security and a positive sense of a new beginning – he emphasized, adding that German democracy can be slow and sometimes even “sluggish”.

When asked if he would like to change something about himself, Merz replied that he would have to explain and justify his decisions even more than before. – Explain, explain, explain. In a democracy, you have to convince people of your ideas, he emphasized. – Epictetus once said that it is not actions that move people, but the words about these actions. I can actually improve in this area, Merz added.

The chancellor also spoke about growing uncertainty and “general nervousness” in the country, admitting that the government was facing criticism “from both the left and the right.” He also warned that Germany can no longer rely on the current model of prosperity.

– We cannot continue the policies of the last 20 years. Our illusion of prosperity will not last, Merz said. At the same time, he declared his readiness to push through difficult reforms despite possible public opposition.

Referring to his relationship with US President Donald Trump, Merz emphasized that he manages to maintain good relations with him. – I told Donald Trump why we think war with Iran is wrong. Despite this, I try to maintain a good personal relationship with the President of the United States. So far, I have been successful in this, admitted the Chancellor.

Merz assessed that transatlantic relations have not been as they were before for many years. – We are seeing mutual alienation, but also a desire on America's part to no longer be unconditionally available for European security. On the other hand, in Europe there is a desire to no longer be completely dependent on the US, he said.

The head of the German government pointed out that the effectiveness of European diplomacy must go hand in hand with the development of military capabilities. He announced that he wanted to conduct talks, among others. with France on strengthening the security of the continent, including the European nuclear umbrella. – Everything that is needed for a safe Europe – said Merz.

From Munich Iwona Weidmann (PAP)

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