Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) used his introductory remarks in the Bundestag to address the current situation before facing questions from Members of Parliament. He commented on the war between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other. Merz avoided evaluating US President Donald Trump’s announcement about potential negotiations with Iran.
The Chancellor emphasized the need to work with European partners to advocate for a swift end to the escalation. He stated that only a strong Europe, with a prosperous economy and robust defense capabilities, could truly assert its influence in the world. «We are no longer,» Merz acknowledged concerning Germany’s defensive readiness.
Merz on USA and Israel: «Some Aspects Are Unclear to Us»
Questions from Members of Parliament also revolved around the Iran war and its consequences, such as high fuel prices. In response to Social Democrat Derya Türk-Nachbaur’s question about steps to end the war, Merz replied that efforts were underway to persuade the US and Israel to seek a diplomatic solution. «Some of what is being said there is not strategically clear to us,» Merz stated, which could be interpreted as criticism of US war strategy.
Regarding high fuel prices, Merz announced that the Bundestag would pass legislation enabling better oversight of oil companies and their pricing policies by cartel authorities. He hinted at direct tax relief for citizens but expressed skepticism about a windfall tax for corporations.
Merz: A Considerable Part of Violence Comes from Immigrant Groups
Another topic that led to a stir in the Bundestag was a question about plans to combat increasing sexualized violence against women, particularly online. In the context of actress Collien Fernandes’ case, who became a victim of AI-generated fakes, Merz highlighted planned legislative tightening.
He elaborated that society is experiencing «exploding violence,» both analog and digital, requiring a comprehensive societal response. Merz added: «Then we must also talk about where this violence comes from. And then we must also address that a considerable part of this violence comes from groups of immigrants in the Federal Republic of Germany.» This statement is expected to fuel further debate in the coming days.
Chancellor’s Question Time: History and Relevance
The direct questioning of the head of government in the Bundestag has existed since 2018, introduced at the request of the SPD, despite initial skepticism from Chancellor Angela Merkel, who feared it might become a «show.» Merz, however, appears to appreciate the format. A sensitive question was left unasked: the one concerning Federal President Steinmeier’s statement that the US and Israeli attack on Iran was contrary to international law. Merz was not required to take a stance on this, saving him a potentially difficult political commitment.
