Friedrich Merz has barely become the Union’s candidate for chancellor and he is already longing for times long past. If he could, he would probably travel back in time to the 1990s.
CDU leader Friedrich Merz has prevailed in the power struggle against Markus Söder. The K question has been finally answered: He, Merz, will lead the Union into the election campaign as candidate for chancellor. But in which direction will he steer the party? In an interview with “RTL direct” it becomes clear: Merz has not really developed since his first attempts to become CDU leader. In a conversation with presenter Pinar Atalay he desperately tries to sell his long-established views as new politics.
Friedrich Merz on “RTL direct”: The politics of the 90s are back
Banning cannabis again, allowing combustion engines again, abolishing the citizen’s allowance: the CDU leader was unable to put forward many new demands. Instead, he concentrated on his classics: the economy and migration. Combustion engines are “the latest technology”. The fact that we want to be environmentally friendly is “our opinion,” said Merz, but politics does not determine technology. Climate protection is therefore regulated by the market.
Immigration, on the other hand, is possible as long as society is able to integrate people and as long as the refugees who come are willing to integrate. He could not give an exact number, but one thing is certain: At the moment there are too many people coming to Germany, especially “young men who do not follow the rules.”
Even as candidate for chancellor, full-time opposition
When asked about Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s comment that he was happy that Merz was the Union’s candidate for chancellor, the CDU leader responded in typical opposition style. The SPD has not yet agreed on whether Scholz will actually stand as a candidate, and there is “massive criticism” of the chancellor from the ranks of the Social Democrats, said the man who would so love to hold this office for the CDU. Many party friends would like to see Scholz replaced, said Merz. “It’s not good for the country – a chancellor who is criticized so heavily from his own ranks – we can do better than that.” Merz did not provide any evidence for the statements regarding Scholz.
So where does the man from Sauerland want to go with his Union? When asked about his plans, he suddenly appears statesmanlike: “I have to give the country a perspective,” says Merz. “I have to ensure that the mood in the country improves again. I have to work with the CDU/CSU to ensure that this country functions again. And we have to ensure that at some point we can be a little proud of Germany again.”
Rejection of the “current Greens”
All of this should happen with a certain degree of confidence. We want to address the problems, but also offer solutions. Germany should (again) become one of the top players in Europe, perhaps even number 1, said Merz. In the past, people looked up to the Federal Republic, but today they look at the country with a shake of the head.
Merz also reacted with the same head-shaking when asked whether he could imagine forming a coalition with the Greens. “We can only be successful in social and climate policy if we remain a strong industrial nation.” The “current Greens” are currently more “active at the regulatory level,” said Merz. The way the Greens are doing economic and climate policy, the CDU leader finally states, “does not work with us.”
Transparency note: The star is part of RTL Germany
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
