"Defense from within": Merz clearly distances himself from AfD on Ash Wednesday - Merz warns of threats to Germany's freedom and trade tensions with U.S.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) sharply distanced himself from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during the traditional Ash Wednesday political rally, declaring he would be "uncompromising and relentless" in dealing with those who call themselves the Alternative for Germany. Speaking in Trier on Wednesday evening, he said he refused to allow the country's European heritage to be "recklessly gambled away by such populists." "We must never allow that to happen."
Merz urged Germany to be ready to defend its freedom—both "from external threats" and "from within." "That is why we must stand firm against anyone, by whatever means or tools they use, who seeks to restrict our freedoms here at home," he said.
The chancellor also addressed online manipulation and disinformation, admitting he had "completely underestimated" the potential for "targeted and controlled influence"—both domestic and foreign—through algorithms and artificial intelligence.
He warned of a "corrosion of the spirit of our free society," stressing that Germany must resist it. "I want real names on the internet. I want to know who is speaking out," Merz declared.
At the same time, he praised Germany's tradition of free speech, insisting the country must maintain a "spirit of openness and tolerance." In a free and open society, he said, "even the most absurd political opinion must be allowed to be expressed." The limit, he added, is the Basic Law and human dignity. "And that's what I told our American friends as well."
Last year, U.S. Vice President JD Vance sparked outrage among European allies when he sharply criticized Germany and Europe at the Munich Security Conference, accusing them of suppressing free speech.
Merz also directed a warning at the U.S. regarding trade policy. "If the Americans believe they should wield global influence through their tariff policies—and if they think tariffs are more important than taxes in their own country—then that is not our approach," he said.
He vowed to deliver the same message on his next visit to Washington. And if the U.S. goes too far, he added, "then we Europeans are fully capable of pushing back."
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