Merz: Rusija želi destabilizirati Njemačku

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Saturday that Russia attempts to destabilize Germany daily through cyberattacks, sabotage, and other measures. Speaking at the end of a two-day congress of the Christian Social Union (CSU) in Munich, Merz urged closer cooperation between the CSU and his own party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He described the security environment in Europe as increasingly dangerous due to threats from domestic extremists and foreign powers. The chancellor’s address comes as his governing coalition faces declining popularity and recent electoral setbacks in eastern Germany. Merz declared that the conservative alliance would not cede Germany to extreme political forces. He emphasized the need for the CDU and CSU to work together more tightly than ever before. Highlighting his partnership with Markus Soeder, the CSU leader and minister-president of Bavaria, Merz stressed their shared responsibility for the nation. According to reports from German media, the chancellor framed the current moment as one requiring unity among conservatives to counter internal and external threats. The chancellor specifically identified Russia as a primary adversary. He asserted that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally shaken the European peace order. Merz noted that the threat extends beyond the battlefield in Ukraine, citing specific incidents within Germany. He referenced an incident on August 4 at Leipzig Airport, where a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft. Berlin has issued multiple warnings regarding the risk of sabotage in recent months. Martin Jaeger, the head of German foreign intelligence, reinforced these concerns during testimony before the parliamentary intelligence committee on October 5. Jaeger stated that the confrontation with Russia has entered a more dangerous phase. He argued that Germany risks being drawn into a violent conflict with Moscow. The intelligence chief described the Leipzig incident as just one example of broader hostile activities. He concluded that no other country currently poses such a direct, comprehensive, and concrete threat to Germany. Russia has consistently rejected allegations that it conducts hybrid warfare campaigns against Germany and other European nations. Diplomatic relations between Berlin and Moscow have deteriorated significantly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both sides view the relationship as having reached its lowest point since the Cold War era. Despite the diplomatic freeze, Merz maintained that Germany must invest in preserving its freedom in response to these persistent threats. Domestic politics also featured prominently in Merz’s speech. He reiterated his opposition to any change in the policy of isolating the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). This stance reaffirms the so-called firewall policy, which prohibits cooperation with the AfD. Merz addressed calls within his own party to explore models of collaboration with the far right. He stated unequivocally that there is no room in the conservative union for those who wish to support the AfD. He directed his comments at party members, stating that anyone who believes they should vote for the AfD does not belong in the union. The chancellor also addressed his coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens. He urged them not to form a coalition with the Left Party in the city-state of Berlin. Merz accused the Left Party of tolerating antisemitism within its ranks. The Left Party rejects these claims, denying that systematic antisemitism exists in the organization. Merz linked this political stance to the broader struggle against extremism threatening democratic institutions. Political pressure on Merz’s government has intensified recently. The ruling coalition suffered heavy defeats in regional elections in eastern Germany. In two eastern federal states, the far-right AfD finished first in the polls. Meanwhile, the far-left Left Party won the election in Berlin. These results contributed to a drop in Merz’s personal approval ratings to record lows. The coalition now faces scrutiny over its ability to implement promised reforms. Merz called on his SPD coalition partners to accelerate the implementation of a reform package that began in July. He stated that voters will judge the government primarily based on whether it successfully executes these reforms. Economic issues remained central to his message. Merz reiterated the goal of reducing energy costs for all consumers in the coming year. He suggested lowering taxes on electricity to increase disposable income for households. He expressed confidence that this measure is feasible and necessary to provide financial relief to citizens. The CSU delegation reacted positively to the chancellor’s address. Delegates gave Merz a standing ovation lasting nearly four minutes. This duration was comparable to the applause received by CSU leader Markus Soeder the previous day. However, underlying tensions remain within the conservative camp. Some CSU members worry that dissatisfaction with the federal government could harm the party’s prospects in Bavaria. Despite these concerns, the atmosphere at the congress appeared supportive of the chancellor’s call for unity. Merz did not take a position on the question of who should succeed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whose term expires next year. The CSU supports Ilse Aigner, the president of the Bavarian state parliament, for the role. However, Merz has not yet publicly endorsed her candidacy. The silence on this issue leaves the succession process open to further debate within the coalition. The political landscape in Germany remains volatile. The combination of external security threats and internal electoral challenges defines the current environment. Merz’s strategy focuses on consolidating the center-right bloc while maintaining strict boundaries against extremist parties. His administration continues to prioritize national security alongside economic stabilization efforts. The upcoming period will likely test the resilience of the coalition as it navigates both domestic discontent and international tensions. Sources indicate that the security warnings align with broader assessments by German intelligence agencies. The focus on infrastructure protection and cyber defense reflects growing anxiety about non-military forms of aggression. Political analysts observe that Merz’s rhetoric aims to rally support around security issues amidst waning confidence in economic management. The interplay between foreign policy and domestic politics remains a defining feature of the current governmental agenda. The events in Munich underscore the dual pressures facing the German leadership. While addressing the CSU base, Merz signaled a hardline approach toward both Russia and domestic opponents. The refusal to engage with the AfD contrasts with earlier discussions within the CDU about potential tactical shifts. By holding firm on the isolation policy, Merz seeks to distinguish his coalition from the far right. This positioning aims to secure the center-right electorate ahead of future voting cycles. The reference to the Leipzig airport incident serves as a tangible example of the abstract threats Merz describes. It grounds the geopolitical narrative in local reality for the audience. Similarly, the mention of energy tax reductions addresses immediate economic grievances. This blend of security and economic messaging characterizes the chancellor’s current communication strategy. As the coalition moves forward, the execution of these promises will determine its political survival.