The speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos was an aggressive tirade in favor of European great-power politics under German leadership. Barely concealed, Merz presented a program of militarism, rearmament and economic nationalism that stands squarely in the tradition of German world-power fantasies on the eve of the First and Second World Wars.
Merz framed his entire speech around the leitmotif of a new era of “great power rivalry.” The world, according to the chancellor, is shaped by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine-an invasion that was in reality provoked by NATO’s anti-Russian encirclement-by the rise of China, and by the United States, whose “global pole position is being challenged and Washington reacts by radically reshaping its foreign and security policy.”
This formulation is a deliberate whitewashing of the increasingly violent rampage of US imperialism, which is attempting to offset its historic economic decline through ever more brutal force. At the beginning of this year alone, Washington attacked Venezuela and abducted its elected president, Nicolás Maduro. This was followed by open threats of a military strike against Iran and the proclamation of plans to bring Greenland under US control.
Simultaneously occurring, the chancellor made clear that the ruling class is fully aware of the consequences of its policies. At a key point in his speech,Merz declared: “A world where only power counts is a hazardous place. First for small states, then for the middle powers, and ultimately for the great ones.” He continued: “In the 20th century, my country Germany went down this road to its bitter end. It pulled the world into a black abyss.”
yet this “abyss” of world war and barbaric crimes does not deter the ruling class from once again going “down this road.” in contrast, Merz’s entire speech made clear that Germany, above all, is responding to the historic crisis of capitalism and the violent breakdown of the international order with an aggressive offensive of rearmament and war preparation.
“This new world of great powers is being built on power, on strength and when it comes to it, on force. It is not a cozy place,” Merz declared. But, he continued, “We do not have to accept this new reality as fate. We are not at the mercy of this new world order”-by which he meant nothing other than a conscious decision in favor of militarization and preparations for war.
“`html
Friedrich Merz and the CDU’s Shift to the Right
Table of Contents
Friedrich Merz, the current leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany, has overseen a marked shift of the party towards more conservative positions as assuming leadership in January 2022. This repositioning has included rhetoric and policy proposals focused on law and order, stricter immigration controls, and a more assertive stance on national interests, diverging from the more centrist approach of his predecessor, Angela Merkel.
early career and Return to CDU Leadership
Friedrich Merz began his political career in the Junge Union, the youth wing of the CDU, in the 1970s. He served as a member of the Bundestag from 1990 to 2009, holding various leadership positions within the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group is a notable force in German politics.After a period outside frontline politics working as a lawyer and business consultant, Merz re-entered the political arena, successfully contesting the CDU leadership election in january 2022, defeating Norbert Röttgen and Helge Braun. Deutsche Welle reported on his election, highlighting the party’s desire for a new direction.
Policy Positions and Ideological Shift
Merz’s leadership has been characterized by a clear attempt to reclaim customary CDU voters who felt alienated by Merkel’s more moderate policies. He has consistently advocated for a tougher stance on immigration,calling for stricter border controls and faster deportations of rejected asylum seekers. he has also emphasized the importance of law and order, proposing measures to increase police powers and strengthen penalties for criminal offenses. In economic policy, Merz supports tax cuts and deregulation, arguing that these measures will stimulate economic growth. He has also been critical of the government’s energy policy, particularly the planned phase-out of nuclear power.
For example, in December 2023, Merz proposed a “debt brake plus” to further limit government spending, arguing for greater fiscal discipline.Reuters covered this proposal, noting its potential impact on social programs. This stance reflects a broader ideological shift within the CDU towards a more fiscally conservative and socially traditional platform.
Controversies and Criticisms
Merz’s leadership has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for his wealth and perceived elitism, as well as for his close ties to the business community. His rhetoric on immigration has also been accused of being divisive and xenophobic. in January 2024, Merz sparked debate by suggesting that social welfare benefits should be linked to citizenship, a proposal widely condemned by opposition parties. Tagesschau reported on the controversy, detailing the strong reactions from across the political spectrum. Moreover, his comments regarding the war in Ukraine, while supportive of aid to Ukraine, have sometimes been interpreted as advocating for a more pragmatic approach that prioritizes German interests.
current Status (as of January 24, 2026)
As of January 24, 2026, Friedrich Merz remains the leader of the CDU. Recent polling data indicates that the CDU has consistently been the strongest opposition party in Germany, but has not yet been able to significantly close the gap with the governing Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Green Party coalition.
