The former Chancellor welcomed the stricter immigration policy, agreed by future government partners, the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), while criticizing the US president’s policy of imposing duties.
“There are definitely differences, both in terms of wording and tone. But, if you look carefully, I had my own goals, “Mrs Merkel told German radio (Deutschlandfunk Kultur), referring to the provisions of the programmatic agreement for the migration and added that she also supported the fight against illegal immigration and punishment. “It is also right that – in consultation with neighboring countries – there must be rejections of immigrants at the border”, said, however, stressing that “Migration will not be resolved on the German -Austrian border, but on the external border of the European Union”.
Concerning the removal of the “debt brake” and the billions of billions planned by the new government, Angela Merkel referred mainly to construction projects, noting that “specialized staff should be found, properly planned and accelerated”.
‘Together we are stronger’
Mrs Merkel was critical of the US president and his tariff policy. “I think the US president is deeply convinced that America has been in disadvantaged for years. I had already experienced it as a chancellor. However, a US government cannot escape the consequences of its policies. If government bonds become more expensive, interest rates rise, if investors get away from US products and turn elsewhere to the world, then no one can be indifferent. “he stressed and expressed the assessment that Donald Trump’s actions were “more planned” than during his first term.
“Things will now apply more radically. Donald Trump comes from the real estate industry. There is about that: Either I take the property or my competitor gets it. This means that when someone loses, someone wins and of course wants to win. “he stated and highlighted the importance of maintaining unity in Europe. “The whole EU is based on the idea that we are united and that things will be better in this way. “We are stronger together. This is my point of view. “he added.
The former Chancellor also referred to her former intra -party opponent and probably future Chancellor Friedrich Mertz, describing him as a politician with “Absolute will for power”. “Now he seized the opportunity. What separated us was that we both wanted to become leaders »he said.
