New Chancellor Vows to Make Germany Europe's Strongest Military

story

MAY 15

Above: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) speaks during his government statement in the plenary session of the Bundestag, on May 14, 2025 Image copyright: Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images

story last updated MAY 15

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Merz struck the right tone in his Bundestag debut as chancellor: responsible, moderate, and focused. His call for reliability, rebuilding trust, and strengthening European defense shows statesmanlike leadership. By pledging military readiness and economic reform, he’s proving that Germany can lead with strength while protecting its democratic convictions.

Politico Euractiv

Opposition narrative

Merz's focus on military spending over pressing domestic issues such as migration and the cost of living reveals misplaced priorities that fail to address citizens' immediate concerns. His narrow victory in the chancellorship combined with a string of vague policy pledges and undeserved praise towards Olaf Scholz suggests a continuation of the status quo instead of any meaningful change.

European Conservative Spiked