Merz calls for reform against intergenerational injustice in social security in Germany

In his speech at the Bundestag before the European Union (EU) Council meeting, Merz stated that there is a problem of intergenerational justice in Germany's social security systems and that reforms are needed on this issue.

Merz noted that if the current situation is not changed, this injustice will deepen even further, and emphasized that children and young people may have to carry much more burden than they should.

SUPPORT TO UKRAINE IS NOT CUT FROM SOCIAL EXPENDITURES

In his assessment of the security environment in Europe and the world, Merz warned that we may face new conflicts and crises.

Underlining that preserving peace, freedom and security in Europe is among the priorities of his government, Merz explained that Germany is investing in its defense capacity in line with this goal and supporting Ukraine's defense struggle against Russia.

Merz rejected the allegations that the resources transferred to Ukraine were provided at the expense of social expenditures and the education budget, and stated that the evaluations put forward in political discussions on this issue were not correct.

Stating that Russia has taken steps that increase tensions against Ukraine, as well as its neighbors in Eastern Europe and Germany, Merz accused political actors on the far left and far right of belittling these developments and spreading disinformation.

Merz claimed that these attitudes deepened the social division in Germany and emphasized that political interests should not be prioritized over the security of the country.

SECURITY AND COMPETITIVENESS PRIORITY IN THE EU BUDGET

In his speech, Merz also touched upon the multi-annual financial framework negotiations covering the period 2028-2034, which are on the agenda of the EU Council meeting.

Stating that they aim to successfully complete the budget negotiations, which are of decisive importance for the strategic future of Europe, by the end of the year, Merz noted that the budget framework initially proposed by the European Commission should be reconsidered due to limited resources.

Merz requested that priorities in EU expenditures be determined more clearly and said that security and competitiveness should be prioritized in future investments.

Stating that the European domestic market offers a significant economic growth potential, Merz emphasized that this potential should be better evaluated.

In this context, Merz called for reducing bureaucracy and accelerating permit processes in order to pave the way for investments in artificial intelligence, decarbonization and defense, and asked for the temporary suspension of regulations that hinder investments.

Merz argued that the formation of new bureaucratic obligations at the EU level should be prevented and existing reporting obligations should be abolished, and called on the European Commission to prepare legal regulations in this direction.