– We have set a preliminary course for the permanent simplification of irregular migration," convinced German Chancellor Friedrich Merz present (09.07.2025). During the first post-government change of the main budget debate, the head of the German government defended Berlin's tightening of migration policy.
– The number of asylum applications decreased by 43 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year," he said. He added that in connection with border controls "the thousands of illegal entries were prevented and a large number of open arrest warrants were implemented".
Until when?
Mr Merz stressed that Germany had to keep controls at the EU's interior borders so far in order to reduce migration and safety policy. "These are transitional regulations, temporary measures," he stressed.
– We aim to establish common European rules, we want to preserve the European interior market, we want to preserve the Schengen area, we want to keep open borders and freedom of movement in Germany and in Europe, but we do not want this for illegal migration, and we so take these steps - explained the Chancellor of Germany.
He added that it was crucial for him to make good relations with neighbouring countries, including France and Poland, but besides with the European NATO countries, which are not EU members and with tiny and medium-sized EU countries.
– In doing so, I take on the leadership work which, in my opinion, lies with the German Chancellor and which Europe expects from us," Friedrich Merz said.
Leader AfD: "The Lying Chancellor"
The head of the German government was severely attacked by Alice Weidel, an opposition leader, who was considered to be partially far right, an alternate organization for Germany (AfD).
Weidel accused Merz of not keeping her word and electoral fraud. "You are already a lying chancellor to bitter citizens, Mr. Merz, whose broken electoral promises fill all the catalogues," said Weidel.
One specified promise, as the AfD leader pointed out, is the coalition agreement's intention to reduce the electricity taxation for all. The promise will not be realised for the minute due to the tight budget.
"Islamization progresses"
In her speech, the co-chair of the AfD besides attacked the Merz government in terms of migration policy and talked about "showing exercises of migration policy". Border checks are – as Weide said – defective and restrictions on household reunification – "homeopathic". Weide drew a gloomy image of the country and mentioned knife attacks, sexual crimes, pool abuse, and bad conditions in schools. “ Islamism is progressing rapidly and aggressively,” she said.
In consequence to the allegations from AfD Friedrich Merz pointed out that this is "with all determination wide-ranging and undifferentiated discrediting of the work of the fresh government" and accused Weidel of giving a "pure nationalist speech". "Even in democracy, no 1 has to accept half-truths, vile slanders and individual discredits without reply," said chadek.
The largest opposition post club, which since the February elections to the Bundestag is again AfD, traditionally opens a budget debate in the Bundestag.
Merz about "change of moods"
The CDU/CSU and Social Democratic SPD coalition took over the governments in Germany on 6 May and held them for 65 days.
According to Chancellor Merz, there has already been a change of temper at this time. “We will not let them spoil it,” he said at AfD. “We have dealt with many things, we have achieved a lot, but there is inactive a lot to do,” said Merz. “We want Germany to stay an open, liberal and free country and we want Germany to stay a tolerant country,” he stressed. He added that budget plans would lay the foundation for further crucial investment in the country and "return to economical policy".
The four-day budget debate in the German Parliament began on Tuesday, July 8, erstwhile Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil presented a draft budget for 2025. Much more investment is planned to be financed by much higher debt.
The German government plans to spend EUR 503 billion this year – 6.1% more than in the erstwhile year. EUR 81.8 billion in the basic budget is to be financed from loans - more than twice as last year. In addition, around EUR 60 billion will come from peculiar funds financed by debt. By 2029, the government plans to enlist around EUR 850 billion in the basic budget and peculiar funds.
