In his first New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for confidence despite global crises and defended his key economic reforms, DPA reported.
"It is in our hands to overcome each of these challenges with our own efforts," Merz said.
"We are not victims of external circumstances. We are not pawns for the great powers," the German leader emphasized.
Mentioning the war in Ukraine, threats from Russia and strained relations with the United States, Merz said he realized that many people are concerned about peace in an uncertain world.
"I tell you: we care about our security. We live in a safe country," the chancellor was categorical.
Merz also defended the pension reforms undertaken by the ruling coalition. A pension reform package was adopted by German lawmakers earlier this month, DPA recalls.
The German leader also said that for his country and for Europe, next year could be a return to decades of peace, freedom and prosperity.
"To achieve this, we must believe in ourselves, in our courage, in our drive. Let us not listen to fear-mongers and bad prophets," Friedrich Merz urged.