Friedrich Merz (CDU) on Saturday highlighted the urgent need for a stronger Bundeswehr during a recruit swearing-in ceremony in Medebach, Sauerland. He warned of hybrid attacks, cyberattacks, and disinformation targeting infrastructure in Germany and Europe daily. Merz said: “Not only our European peace order is under pressure; our world has become more hostile and insecure overall.”
Speaking to around 110 recruits of the 21st Panzer Brigade “Lipperland,” Merz stressed that the Bundeswehr is growing on an ambitious timeline. “The engine of our defense industry has started up again,” he said, citing necessary investments in German, European, and transatlantic security.
Merz recalled his own swearing-in over 50 years ago and noted that the Bundeswehr now stands at the center of society. “The federal government and the German people stand behind you,” he said, calling for a clear focus on national and alliance defense.
He pointed out that Russia is waging a war of aggression in the middle of Europe in violation of international law and emphasized: “Peace and freedom do not come for free.” The willingness of soldiers to defend freedom and democracy is crucial for Germany’s deterrence and defense capability.
EuroPulse reported on June 11, 2026, about Friedrich Merz advocating reforms in a government statement before the EU summit, https://europulse.today/eu-gipfel-bruessel-merz-regierungserklaerung-reformen/.
Source: www.tagesspiegel.de
