Berlin: German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, the presumptive next chancellor, on Monday vowed a change of course in migration and economy policy, despite critics saying a coalition deal struck with the Social Democrats (SPD) does not go far enough.
Speaking before delegates of his Christian Democratic Union approved the coalition agreement at a small party conference in Berlin, Merz said the deal includes fundamental course corrections, for example regarding migration.
The incoming administration will be forced to act because cities and municipalities can no longer shoulder the migration burden, massively jeopardizing social cohesion and democracy, Merz said. Merz, who is set to be elected chancellor on May 6 by parliament pending approval of the coalition deal by the SPD, pledged stricter border controls from day one of the new administration, as well as more pushbacks.
Berlin would also support a much more restrictive migration policy within the EU, the centre-right politician added.
“Under my leadership, Germany will no longer sit on the brakes in Europe on this issue either,” Merz shouted to the applause of delegates. (DPA)
