Merz Rejects ‘Doomsayers’ Ahead of Decisive Year for Germany

Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Germans to ignore “scaremongers and doomsayers” and trust in the country’s ability to overcome its numerous challenges, including mounting Russian aggression and geopolitical upheaval.

The conservative leader, whose coalition with the Social Democrats has been in power for about eight months, said he’s confident the economic reforms his government has set in motion will bear fruit “even if it takes some time,” and that 2026 can be a “decisive year” for Germany and Europe.