Discussions will begin with the Social Democrats, says Friedrich Merz, who is likely to become Germany's next Chancellor, at a press conference in Berlin.
We will initiate talks in the coming days. They are already prepared, and we have already had some conversations.
Merz points out three important areas where discussions will now be held.
One is foreign and security policy. After the statements that came from Washington last week, it is clear that we Europeans must quickly gain maneuvering space and secure our own defense capabilities.
This has absolute priority in the coming weeks.
Migration plan on the table
He also points to the migration issue and reminds of the Christian Democratic five-point plan to stop illegal immigration to Germany, which was presented in January.
Our proposals are on the table. I assume that the Social Democrats will be willing to talk to us about this issue and solve the problems.
The third issue is the economic situation, particularly the situation for industry. There, I assume that the Social Democrats, unlike the Greens, have a great interest in keeping industrial jobs in Germany.
Merz also brought up the relationship with the USA and the Trump administration, which he sharply criticized on election night. As Chancellor, he will do everything for good relations with Washington, but is prepared for a "worst-case scenario", he says.
"Significantly reduced interest"
All signals we receive from the USA indicate that interest in Europe and willingness to engage in Europe are significantly decreasing. But I hope that we can persuade the Americans that it is in our common interest to maintain good transatlantic relations.
On election night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Merz to congratulate him on his victory. When asked whether Netanyahu – who is subject to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court – is welcome in Germany without risking arrest, Merz answers yes.
If he plans to visit Germany, I have promised myself that we will find a way to ensure that he can visit Germany and leave without being arrested.
