Merz spoke to an audience of around 2,500 at the Moderate Party's election convention in Stockholm on Saturday.
The German chancellor and party leader of the Christian Democratic CDU had been invited to show his support for the party and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and took the opportunity to highlight Sweden as a role model in Europe.
"We see in Germany how your work has turned the tide in Sweden," said Friedrich Merz in his speech.
He pointed to reforms to combat violent crime, reduce illegal migration and build a stronger defense.
But he also took the opportunity to jokingly mention minor legal changes, such as the removal of the requirement to "serve food indoors in order to be able to serve beer outdoors."
"Even for a German, it sounds a bit detailed," Merz joked.
Problems at home
The visit to Stockholm could be a welcome trip for Friedrich Merz. At home, the government's cooperation with the Social Democratic SPD is cracking, and he recently even aroused the ire of US President Donald Trump.
Merz criticized the US war on Iran, saying the US lacks a strategy and is being "humiliated" by Iran. Shortly afterwards, Trump announced that the US will significantly reduce the number of American soldiers currently stationed in Germany.
Merz downplayed the risks when he received questions from journalists in Stockholm.
"NATO's strength depends not only on troop numbers but on unity and purpose, and that unity still exists. I have no doubt that the United States has a strong interest in a strong European NATO,"
“Have no choice”
Both Kristersson and Merz emphasized the importance of building security together.
According to Kristersson, Sweden and Germany, together with their Nordic, Baltic and Polish neighbors, constitute something that could be described as Europe's northern security community.
"That community is stronger today than it was a year ago, and it will be even stronger in a year," said Kristersson.
"If we want to preserve peace in the future, we must be ready and able to defend ourselves. Just like Sweden, Germany is now investing massively in our army and our military capabilities. It is an enormous task, but we have no choice," Merz said.
