Merz 'first weeks: Foreign policy convinced, domestic political pressure is growing!

Merz 'first weeks: Foreign policy convinced, domestic political pressure is growing!

Aschaffenburg, Deutschland - Chancellor Friedrich Merz achieved foreign policy success in the first week of his term. He visited Paris, Warsaw, Brussels and Kiev, which broadcast strong signals of European unity and German international presence. In his first declaration of government, Merz emphasized his transatlantic orientation, also under the presidency of Donald Trump and announced a stricter procedure in migration policy. Merz pointed out that these measures are enforced in accordance with European law and not single -handedly. After a fatal knife attack in Aschaffenburg by a rejected asylum seeker from Afghanistan, Merz plans to make changes in migration and security policy, which is already highly controversial in the political debate. 

Although Merz showed cooperative in terms of domestic policy and the topics of the SPD, such as a pension level of 48 percent and a minimum wage of 15 euros from 2026, have been the confidence of citizens in the new government so far. Surveys show that Merz is under pressure to quickly implement his announcements - especially the 150 billion euros for infrastructure, education, research and digitization. Challenges such as reducing bureaucracy and solutions for living space, health, care and pension are urgently required, and Merz appealed to the citizens to take responsibility.

migration and security policy in focus

Friedrich Merz wants to bring in two application designs in the Bundestag during the upcoming plenary week. These include a five-point plan "For safe limits and the end of illegal migration" and an application "for a change of policy in internal security". The suggestions include permanent border controls to neighboring countries, entry bans for people without valid documents and the detention persons. Merz calls on the SPD and the Greens to support these applications and exclude a coalition with the AfD. However, the legal compatibility of the proposals is controversial and experts express doubts about it.

The political debate about migration and asylum policy has received new upwind through incidents such as the knife attack in Aschaffenburg. In Germany, asylum applications, which were around 251,000 in 2024, fell by around 29 percent compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, a majority of the population calls for a turn in migration policy. Polls show that 77 percent of the respondents want such a change. In addition, the AfD achieved high approval values ​​in the last elections in several federal states, which indicates growing support for its positions.

political reactions and challenges

political reactions to Merz 'plans are mixed. Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a declaration of government on the consequences of the fatal attack and criticized Merz ’reactions as inadequate. The approval of the Bundestag for Merz ’Applications has so far seemed unlikely, although the FDP promises possible approval. Critics such as the SPD and the Greens describe Merz ’suggestions as unconstitutional and attempted to extend. The left and BSW boss Wagenknecht also expressed themselves critically about the inadequacy of the planned measures.

The questions about migration policy remain burning in Germany and Europe. The Federal Government has reacted to the challenges with increased deportations and new legislative initiatives to improve the situation. Nevertheless, it turns out that the population feels the inclusion of refugees than to their capacity limit. A rethinking is necessary not only politically, but also socially to find sustainable solutions.