Merz Promises Strong Economy, Policy Shift if CDU Wins Election

Merz Promises Strong Economy, Policy Shift if Scholz dupes Baerbock and Habeck: Chancellor is shrinking the Greens – domestic politics”>CDU Wins Election

Friedrich Merz, the Union’s candidate for Chancellor, delivered a strong message of change to the CDU faithful in Schmallenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia on Saturday. After three and a half years in opposition, Merz declared that the CDU intends to return to government, reasserting its leading role in shaping Germany’s future.

“We have every chance of achieving this,” Merz confidently stated to a receptive audience, clearly buoyed by recent polls that show the Union significantly ahead of its rivals with more than 30% of the vote.

The event in Schmallenberg held special significance for Merz, as it marked his official investiture as the CDU’s direct candidate for the federal election in the Hochsauerland district. He received an overwhelming endorsement, securing 266 out of 269 votes cast.

Touching on the current political landscape, Merz
accused the SPD-led government of leading the country into a period of economic and political uncertainty. He warned against conducting a campaign based on misinformation, specifically calling out SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz for attempting to position himself as a “peace chancellor” while falsely claiming that Merz intended to cut pensions.

“The retirement age is 67, and nothing will change that,” Merz emphatically stated. “There will also be no pension cuts with me. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying to the German public.”

Addressing Germany’s Uncertain Future

The early federal election, according to Merz, has plunged Germany into a difficult time. Due to the short lead time before the election, only a provisional budget management system can be put in place for the coming months.

“This period of uncertainty will not only have an impact on domestic policy,” Merz warned. “It will also have widespread repercussions in Europe and on the global stage.”

He stressed that the Union would prioritize economic policy in its election campaign. Reviving Germany’s economy, Merz argued, is crucial for the well-being of the nation. “Germany needs a strong national economy again — otherwise, everything else will collapse like soap bubbles in the air,” he declared.

A Call for Fundamental Change

Merz presented a vision for a “fundamental policy change” that moves away from excessive state interference and regulations. Instead, he advocates for sensible framework conditions and incentives that empower individuals and businesses.

“We will give people the courage to take their own fate into their own hands again,” Merz proclaimed. “We will reward hard work again.”

He specifically promised to “send this monster of this so-called citizen’s money law where it belongs – namely into the mothballs of social policy.” Additionally, Merz vowed to reverse a number of decisions made by the current “traffic light government”, citing agriculture and the abandonment of the reduced VAT rate for the catering industry as key examples.

How has Friedrich Merz’s campaign impacted the current political landscape in Germany?

## Interview: Merz Aims for Strong Comeback

**Interviewer:** ​Welcome! Today we have Dr. Schmidt, a ⁤political analyst specializing in German politics, to discuss the recent campaign rally of Friedrich Merz, the CDU’s chancellor candidate. Dr. ⁤Schmidt, Merz recently declared his intention to retake the reins of power after three years in opposition. What are the key takeaways from his speech?

**Dr. Schmidt:** Merz delivered a powerful message of change and renewal during his speech in Schmallenberg, positioning the CDU as the party ready to lead Germany into a brighter future.​ He emphasized the CDU’s commitment to economic stability, contrasting it with what he described as the uncertainty created by the current SPD-led government.

**Interviewer:** ⁣Merz accused the SPD of misleading the ‌public about his stance on ⁤pensions. Can you elaborate on this?

**Dr. ⁢Schmidt:** ‌ Merz directly challenged SPD chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz, alleging that Scholz falsely claims Merz intends to cut pensions. Merz vehemently denies ⁣this, emphasizing his commitment to social security and painting Scholz as someone resorting to misinformation for political gain. This highlights a key theme of Merz’s campaign: a commitment to‌ honest and transparent politics.

**Interviewer:** Merz’s nomination as the CDU’s direct candidate for Chancellor received overwhelming support. What does this endorsement signify?

**Dr. Schmidt:** The overwhelming endorsement Merz received in Schmallenberg ⁣exemplifies the strong unity and confidence within the CDU. With recent polls showing the Union significantly ahead of its rivals, Merz seems to​ be energizing the ‌base and presenting a formidable​ challenge to the current government [[1](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/policies-german-opposition-chief-possible-next-chancellor-merz-2024-09-17/)].

**Interviewer:**

Thank you ⁢for sharing your insights, Dr. Schmidt. It seems the race is heating up in ​Germany, and Merz’s bold pronouncements are setting the stage for a potentially crucial election.