Overview
- He says the coming period concerns freedom, peace, security and prosperity for Europe and declares that it depends on Germany and its partners.
- He pledges the government will keep working with patience and perseverance to move the country forward.
- He reflects on an eventful 2025 of campaigning, elections and coalition-building, acknowledging that not everything went smoothly and that the coalition asks much of the CDU membership.
- He thanks people working over the holidays, citing firefighters, healthcare staff and police, and he singles out Bundeswehr personnel.
- Earlier, President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier urged a more self-confident Europe and referenced negotiations toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.