Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first New Year's address aired on December 31, 2025, reviewing his turbulent first year and outlining 2026 challenges amid poor polls. The pre-recorded speech, broadcast across major TV channels, upholds a tradition since 1970.
Merz was elected Chancellor on May 6, 2025, in the Bundestag's second ballot with 325 votes—a historic first. His term faced controversies, including CDU/CSU internal tensions over pension reforms blocked by younger MPs.
December 2025 polls show challenges: ZDF Politbarometer indicated 53% negative views of the black-red coalition, 41% positive, with 56% grading Merz poorly. The address aimed to rebuild trust amid these uncertainties.
The speech, detailed in prior coverage, emphasized Germany's ability to master 2026 challenges through collective effort. It first aired on ZDF at 7:15 p.m. on December 31, followed by ARD's Das Erste (8:10 p.m.), alpha, and tagesschau24. Available via livestreams on ZDF/ARD media libraries, the Chancellery website, Federal Government YouTube, and Joyn.
Since 1970, Chancellors have delivered this New Year's Eve address (previously by the Federal President), reflecting on the past and fostering solidarity for the future.
