World
Merz calls for action against antisemitism and urges continued support for Ukraine
Germany’s chancellor used a CDU campaign event in Berlin to address antisemitism, immigration and ties with the United States. Der Spiegel reported that he also warned against weakening support for Kyiv.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a united response to antisemitism at a CDU campaign event in Berlin, according to Der Spiegel. He said antisemitism is the most insidious form of xenophobia and added that he had not expected to see Jews, German citizens and Israeli citizens once again become targets of attacks from parts of society.
In the same appearance, Merz said Germany is and will remain a country of immigration, arguing that key parts of the labor market already rely on integrated immigrant workers. At the same time, he said Germany does not want immigration into its social welfare systems and argued that those who do not follow the rules must leave the country. He also praised Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt for what he described as a fundamental correction in migration policy.
Der Spiegel reported that Merz also addressed strained relations with the United States, saying the era of unconditional transatlantic friendship is likely over for the time being. He said Germany should use the moment to take on more responsibility itself and pointed to the federal government’s sharp increase in defense spending. The magazine added that Merz’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump has worsened after the German leader criticized Washington over the war with Iran, alongside tariff disputes.
Merz also warned against any reduction in support for Ukraine. According to Der Spiegel, he argued that abandoning Ukraine in its fight would amount to giving up freedom across Europe. The outlet linked that message to remarks by Saxony state premier Michael Kretschmer, who had criticized Germany’s involvement in the war and had also spoken in favor of eventually resuming Russian gas supplies.
Sources
About this piece. Written by El Notero with AI assistance, from reporting published by the outlet cited above. El Notero did no original reporting on this story.
