CDU leader Friedrich Merz calls for tougher treatment of young criminals. “I have no understanding at all that we are talking about the right to vote at 16, but criminal responsibility for young people is between 18 and 21,” the Union candidate for chancellor told “Bild am Sonntag” according to the preliminary report. “I think we should change that.” In addition, criminal prosecution needs to be accelerated. “It shouldn’t last for years, the procedures have to be simplified.” Since this is largely a matter for the states, he wants to revive a corresponding federal-state alliance if the Union wins the federal election next year.
Merz called for more respect for economic success. “I want to change our mentality a little bit. Economic success is part of it, and you can show it – you don’t have to show it off. And then you can also encourage and encourage others and say: Follow suit.” When asked whether the population should work more, Merz said that work can be viewed as an unpleasant interruption to leisure time or as part of the fulfillment of life. “If it remains an unpleasant interruption to our free time, then we can continue on the path. But that leads to a massive loss of prosperity.”