Merz defends course of reforms, opposition sharply criticizes

2026-06-11 22:22:45, Kosova & Bota CNA

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) defended his government's reform course in the Bundestag, calling on political parties, employers, unions and citizens to contribute to the changes that should strengthen the German economy and social system.

In a government statement ahead of the upcoming European Union summit in Brussels, Merz said Germany must use its potential to respond to economic and geopolitical challenges. He stressed that reforms are needed because of job losses in industry, high business costs and administrative burdens.

"Either we have to make changes that initially mean certain limitations, or we use our strengths and potential to change the situation," the Chancellor said.

Merz devoted a large part of his speech to European and foreign policy. He stressed that the European Union must strengthen its competitiveness, reduce bureaucracy and protect its interests in global trade. Merz described Germany as the "initiator and leader" of the European reform processes.

Speaking about migration policy, Merz welcomed the reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which comes into force on Friday. He described it as "the most significant step towards solving the problem" and said a turnaround in migration policy had already begun at the national and European levels.

Speaking about the war in Ukraine, the Chancellor reiterated his support for Kiev and stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, the United States and Europe.

During the debate, there was also a verbal clash with AfD deputies. Reacting to insults from the opposition benches, Merz accused the AfD of "laughing at the fate of millions of people in Ukraine" alluding to the visits of some AfD party members to Russia. "You travel to Russia to be welcomed with champagne. Have a good trip there, have a good trip!", said the Chancellor, after which he received long applause from most deputies.

AfD co-chair Alice Weidel responded sharply to Merz's speech, calling the Chancellor's speech "a farewell speech by an unsuccessful politician."

She accused the government of deindustrializing the country, increasing bureaucracy and misguided economic policies. According to her, high taxes, energy costs and administrative burdens are driving companies away from Germany, while at the same time "mass migration" continues, which she described as harmful to the social system.

The AfD politician claims that the government is demanding longer work, higher contributions and greater financial sacrifices from citizens, while at the same time increasing social benefits for migrants.

Addressing the Chancellor, Weidel said he had two options: to break off cooperation with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and seek new parliamentary majorities, or to face the possibility of early elections. During the debate, she also made personal criticisms of Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, as well as of the SPD as a whole.

During the debate in the Bundestag, Green Party leader Britta Hasselmann sharply criticized Chancellor Merz, saying that concrete steps are missing. According to her, the word "reform" has become synonymous with cuts and reductions.

"Get your wits together! Keep your promises! Treat people with respect!" Hasselmann said.

Speaking about the country's economic problems, she said that after the reform announcements last fall, citizens experienced a "winter of disappointment." "And in the spring, you were mostly worried about yourself and feeling sorry for yourself. That's not what is expected of a federal chancellor," Hasselmann said.

Merz's government plans to present a reform package by the summer break that would cover the labor market, social security, the tax system and reducing bureaucracy. The day before the debate in the Bundestag, the Chancellor discussed these issues with representatives of employers and unions, and both sides announced ongoing consultations.

The debate in the Bundestag showed, however, that the upcoming reform process will be accompanied by sharp political conflicts between the governing coalition and the opposition AfD, especially when it comes to the economy, migration and policy towards Ukraine./DW