Ukraine, European defense, immigration … what to remember from the Friedrich Merz press conference – Swiss

The future German government promises a “Full support” In Ukraine on the military and diplomatic level in the face of the war of aggression of Russia, in the text of coalition between Conservatives of Friedrich Merz and Social Democrats presented Wednesday April 9, 2025. “We will provide full support to Ukraine so that it can effectively defend itself against the Russian aggressor and assert herself in the negotiations”indicates the document negotiated in recent weeks.

Friedrich Merz said he wanted “The new government can start their work in early May”. He said that his election as Chancellor by the Bundestag, the lower room of the German Parliament, “Should take place in the week of Monday May 5”specifying that“An exact day had not yet been set”.

Faced with global tensions, “Europe can count on Germany”

The future chancellor also said that “Europe can count on Germany” And its future government in the face of current economic and geopolitical upheavals. «The future coalition will reform and invest in maintaining Germany’s stability, making it safer and strengthening it economically. Europe can also count on Germany ”said the conservative manager.

The future German government also announces that they want to significantly increase defense spending in the coming years to allow the country and Europe to ensure much more by themselves their security, in the face of American withdrawal. “Expenses for our defense must increase significantly and rigorously until the end of the legislature” who opens, indicates the coalition government contract selected between conservatives and social democrats, adding that “For the first time since the end of The Second World War Germany and Europe must be able to ensure their own safety in a much more extensive manner ”.

The new government will “advance our country”

Friedrich Merz a promis “To make you move forward again” Germany after the conclusion of the agreement of its conservative camp with the left center to form a government. “The coalition agreement is a sign of a new start and a strong signal for our country”said Mr. Merz.

The future chancellor also speaks of a hardening of German migration policy. “We are going to take a new course in migration policy”said the curator, saying in particular wanting to put an end to irregular immigration and suspend family reunification.