Probably future Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to push the number of new asylum seekers in Germany under 100,000 a year. “Our idea is that we are now really significantly reducing these numbers,” said the CDU chairman in the ARD program Caren Miosga. “This should no longer be a six -figure number,” he added: “The overwhelming of cities, municipalities, schools, the hospitals, our infrastructure has been achieved.”
In order to achieve fewer applications, as agreed in the coalition agreement, the new government will deport more and suspend family reunification, Merz said and confirmed his goal of enforcing the rejection of asylum seekers at the borders. “That will happen,” he said. The coordination with the neighboring countries agreed in the coalition agreement is already underway. He is expecting willingness to cooperate. “I assume that the Austrian government is just as interested in solving the problem like we do.”
“You should never ‘never’ say”
In the conversation, Merz also did not rule out that there will be tax increases during his term. When asked about a question, he replied: “You should never ‘never’ say.” Merz added that he had made it clear in the recently concluded coalition negotiations with the SPD that he would not sign a coalition agreement with tax increases. At the same time, he pointed out that it was difficult to predict future developments. “I think we will experience the crisis as the new normal,” said Merz.
Merz also announced fast reforms to relieve the economy, but dampened expectations of a rapid recovery in the economy. There will now be “no quick profit,” he said. Before there is a thorough effect, “can () go beyond 2025”.
The designated Chancellor also agreed to the spectators that the pension level will change after 2031. The coalition agreement only states that the pension level would be fixed to 48 percent of the average wage by then, the CDU leader said. This requires a “slightly increased” federal subsidy. “After 2031, the relation will be adjusted,” announced Merz: “We change the system.” He reformed a reform of the Riester pension, the establishment of a capital -covered pension pillar and the so -called early start pension from the coming year.
Merz said that in this legislative period in addition to the pension reform and also a reform in the areas of health and care. “I personally have sympathy for compulsory care insurance, but you have to discuss that in the coalition,” he said.
Merz wants to fly to Trump in the USA until summer
The show also dealt with the devastating Russian rocket attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, in which at least 34 people were killed on Sunday. Merz threw Russia “the most serious war crimes”. Russia attacked the city in two waves, said the designated Chancellor and summed up: “This can no longer be beaten in Perfidie.” Russia’s President Vladimir Putin apparently interpreted willingness to talk as a weakness, said Merz.
The CDU boss confirmed that he would deliver Taurus marching aircraft to Ukraine if this was coordinated in Europe. In the event of further Russian attacks, Ukraine must be able to “destroy the most important land connection between Russia and the Crimea,” he said. Because on the peninsula occupied by Russia, most of the military supplies are for the Russian army. “That would be a way to finally put this country strategically in front of the situation,” said Merz. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin must recognize the hopelessness of this war.
The interview also dealt with the future dealing with the federal government with the United States. Merz announced that he wanted to travel to the USA by the end of July. “I will try to be a visit to Washington before the summer vacation,” he said. Merz named Ukraine, China and Taiwan as well as customs policy as topics with US President Donald Trump. Trump could “actually not enjoy” what Russian President Vladimir Putin does with the current attacks on Ukraine. On the contrary, the opposite of what Trump wanted to achieve. You therefore have to look for a common strategic approach.
