Merz on his government's performance: We saved NATO and kept Europe from falling apart
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz avoided a direct answer to the question of what he has specifically achieved for ordinary citizens after a year at the head of the government, media reported.
TL;DR
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz avoided directly answering what he has achieved for ordinary citizens after one year in government.
- Merz stated that it is "too early for final conclusions" but pointed to saving NATO and keeping Europe together as key successes.
- He previously claimed that Germany, by increasing borrowing for defense, effectively prevented NATO's collapse.
- Regarding domestic policy, Merz expressed no shame in the results but admitted that reforms are not proceeding as quickly as he would prefer.
- The German government is justifying increased borrowing for defense and infrastructure amid economic pressures and the energy crisis.
- The German parliament amended 'debt brake' rules to allow for greater state investment in defense and strategic projects.
- Some military experts note that German industry is increasingly focusing on arms and military equipment production to maintain capacity during the crisis.