Merz on the AfD: “I will do everything to prevent that.”
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says his coalition government has overcome its early difficulties and is now focused on delivering reforms to strengthen Germany's economy, security and long-term competitiveness.
Speaking during his annual summer press conference, Merz admitted the government's first months in office had been challenging but insisted the coalition has now "found its footing." He said all major legislative plans scheduled for the first half of 2026 had been approved by parliament, including reforms to healthcare and infrastructure. However, he stressed that much more work remains to improve Germany's economic performance and restore public confidence.
Merz outlined several priorities for the coming months, including tax relief for low- and middle-income earners, labor market reforms, less bureaucracy, and measures to improve Germany's competitiveness. He also defended planned pension reforms, saying Germany should have introduced capital-funded pension measures decades ago to better prepare for demographic change. He acknowledged that economic growth remains under pressure due to high energy costs and global uncertainty.
Addressing the upcoming regional elections, Merz reaffirmed that his CDU (Christlich Demokratische Union – Christian Democratic Union) would not form coalitions with either the AfD (Alternative für Deutschland – Alternative for Germany) or the Left Party. Despite strong polling for the AfD, particularly in eastern Germany, he said he remains confident mainstream parties can prevent the far-right from taking control of state governments. He also urged voters to seek information from reliable sources instead of relying solely on social media.
On foreign policy, Merz said Germany will continue supporting Ukraine and remain closely engaged with its European and international partners. He also addressed the security situation in the Middle East and broader geopolitical challenges, emphasizing that his government is prepared to respond to crises while continuing its domestic reform agenda. Despite poor approval ratings, Merz expressed confidence that his government's policies will produce visible results in the months ahead.