Germany must embrace difficult and potentially unpopular reforms to navigate the “difficult time” the country is facing, Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Friday. Speaking at a public event in Saarbruecken marking 35 years since German reunification, Merz stressed that the anniversary was a moment for reflection on the nation’s current challenges rather than celebration.
“Our nation is in the midst of an important, perhaps decisive, phase in its modern history,” Merz said. “Many things must change if they are to remain as good as they are, or even to improve.” He called on Germans to “regroup and look forward with confidence and energy” while seeking “new unity in our country.” Among his priorities, the chancellor highlighted Germany’s military buildup, citing growing threats from alleged autocratic alliances and warning that the country’s “liberal way of life” is under attack from both external and internal forces.
The speech comes as Germany continues to grapple with the economic fallout from the Ukraine conflict. Rising energy costs and a structural economic slowdown have fueled concerns that the nation’s difficulties may be more than temporary. Germany went through a recession last year, and IMF projections indicate little to no growth for the current year. Merz has repeatedly advocated for a strategy of “economic exhaustion” against Russia while acknowledging the domestic strain on the German economy.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the reunification celebrations at Merz’s invitation, echoed the call for bold reforms across Europe. “Our generation has a choice. To choose or allow the extremes, which are false promises in the face of this doubt, or to stand up again and decide to embrace our new era and make it an era of boldness and determination,” Macron said.
The appearance of Macron at the event drew criticism from former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who suggested that Merz should have invited “someone from Eastern Europe or Eastern Germany” instead, highlighting sensitivities around historical representation during the 35th anniversary of reunification.
As Germany confronts economic and security challenges, Merz’s remarks signal a call to action for both citizens and policymakers, emphasizing unity, resilience, and readiness for a period of significant national transformation.
