German Chancellor calls for confronting extremism and continuing support for Ukraine
The German Chancellor warns against extremism and reaffirms support for Ukraine.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Berlin, Oct 14 (KUNA) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Wednesday for intensified efforts to counter the rising tide of right-wing extremism in the country, while also stressing the need to continue military support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. The remarks were made in a statement delivered by Merz before the German Bundestag, in which he addressed a range of domestic, European, and international issues, foremost among them the fight against extremism, developments in the war in Ukraine, and preparations for the upcoming European Union summit.
Merz criticized the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, warning that extremist tendencies are spreading within the parliament, state assemblies, and everyday life. He argued that the party’s electoral gains and its prospects of coming to power in the state of Saxony reflect the growing nature of this phenomenon.
On European affairs, Merz called for stronger protection of European industries from what he described as unfair competition, in an indirect reference to China, citing state subsidies for companies, overproduction, and falling prices. He also emphasized the need to reduce the size of the proposed European budget for the 2028–2033 period, which approaches two trillion euros (2.22 trillion dollars), noting that the cuts proposed so far remain insufficient.
Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, Merz warned of Russian escalation and attacks targeting Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, urging Moscow to halt these attacks and return to the negotiating table. He defended his government’s policy of continuing military aid to Kyiv, asserting that such support is essential to safeguard Europe’s security and freedom.
Merz rejected criticisms that military spending to support Ukraine comes at the expense of social and educational expenditures in Germany, stressing that security and social justice are not conflicting goals but two pillars that must be upheld together. (End) A.N.J. / M.A.K.
