Overview
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered his inaugural New Year’s address on January 1, emphasizing the economy and signaling “fundamental reforms.”
- He outlined a triad of threats that included Russia’s war on Ukraine, a tougher great‑power environment with a changed U.S. posture under President Donald Trump, and demographic strain on pensions.
- Commentary criticized the speech as business‑oriented and anxiety‑laden, arguing it offered little to households facing job losses, high prices, and ongoing recession worries.
- Climate policy received scant attention in the address, which drew further reproach from outlets that said citizens’ immediate concerns were sidelined in favor of corporate priorities.
- Merz warned against “fearmongers,” a line many read as a jab at the AfD, while observers said upcoming state elections and a demanding reform agenda will quickly test his credibility.