Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is a reason for Germany’s ruling party, the Christian Democratic Union. to make a stronger and united Europe its main foreign policy focus, reads the CDU manifesto, which was presented in Berlin on July 3.
“The world is falling apart. Authoritarian regimes are on the rise; (and) millions are forced to leave their home countries,” reads the manifesto, which has been published on the CDU’s official website.
“Even in our neighborhood, the territorial integrity of Ukraine is put in question by Russian aggression.”
The CDU is led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is seeking her fourth term as chancellor, and as Germany’s chancellor is elected by the lower house of the German parliament, the Bundestag, the launch of the CDU manifesto is effectively the start of Merkel’s re-election campaign.
The next German federal elections are scheduled for Sept. 24.
Besides tax cuts, financial help for young families, fighting illegal migration, countering terrorism, and creating more jobs, the party promised in its program that it would stand for the European Union, its values and security.
The times when Europeans could rely on others have passed, and European nations must be more consistent with their own destiny, the manifesto reads, echoing a statement Merkel made on May 28 shortly after a lackluster G7 summit held in Italy.
“That is why CDU and CSU wants a strong, self-confident and dynamic Europe. A Europe that is able to defend its interests and its international responsibility,” reads the manifesto.
“We appeal to Russia to fulfill the Minsk Agreements and continue the dialog,” the manifesto also says.
