(de-news.net) – In a Christmas message disseminated by the CDU, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed appreciation for those required to work over the holiday period, citing emergency services, health-care staff, police officers, and members of the Bundeswehr. Although the four-minute video was nominally aimed at party members, he ultimately spoke in his role as head of government.

Merz argued that responsibilities reached “far beyond Germany”, suggesting that the coming months would revolve around the defense of freedom, peace, security, and the prosperity “of our whole continent.” This outlook, he noted, reinforced his sense of alignment with Europe as a whole.

Addressing the CDU more directly, he acknowledged that cooperation with the Social Democrats had placed demands on his party, indicating that the coalition had subjected the party “to certain strains,” and that internal discussions had not been entirely smooth. He reiterated that “we must exercise patience and maintain long-term resolve,” presenting endurance as essential for sustaining the partnership.

The release of a dedicated Christmas address by a chancellor was portrayed as atypical in some media outlets, since the Federal President traditionally delivers the holiday message while the Chancellor speaks at New Year’s Eve. This year, the Chancellor’s New Year’s address has already been recorded, namely on the previous Friday.