Green Party candidate for chancellor Robert Habeck warns of threats to stability in Germany in his New Year’s speech. “Our democracy is under pressure. From within and without. Our security too,” said Habeck in his New Year’s speech.
He refers to the attack in Magdeburg, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the strengthening of authoritarian forces, the structural crisis in the German economy and the impending inauguration of Donald Trump as US President. “We can observe the geopolitical power shifts in real time,” says Habeck. But that’s not enough. Germany now has to “reinvent itself again.”
Habeck urgently advocates for a strengthening of Europe. “This Europe is Germany’s only chance to assert freedom, security and prosperity in the new world of autocrats,” says the Vice Chancellor. “It is therefore no coincidence that the apologists of the authoritarian mindset are trying to weaken Europe, and a strong EU is competition and counterweight to their claims.”
Regulation required – “Musk strengthens those who weaken Europe”
In this context, Habeck refers to the US billionaire Elon Musk, who once again promoted the AfD in a guest article for “Welt am Sonntag”. “When Elon Musk – equipped not only with billions and billions, but also with unbridled communication power – calls for the AfD to be elected in Germany, it is not out of ignorance of the AfD. It has logic and system,” emphasizes the Vice Chancellor.
“Musk strengthens those who weaken Europe. A weak Europe is in the interest of those for whom regulation is an inappropriate limitation of their power. But power must be limited. No business model should be allowed to destroy our democracy,” demands Habeck. To achieve this, Europe must now use its power consistently. “Anyone who wants to weaken us must be met with strength.”
To achieve this, the European Union must look more outwards and do more for its external security. Habeck advocates that the NATO states in the EU, together with Great Britain, should establish a strong security pillar, with joint projects including in arms policy. “A new federal government must build bridges in Europe, develop majorities, and pursue a European alliance policy. I am ready for this.”
In the meantime – after recording Habeck’s New Year’s speech – Musk is causing a stir with further posts on his platform X.
