“No uncertainty in Europe”: on tour in Asia, Friedrich Merz is pleased to see “great confidence in Germany and Europe as investment destinations”

Germany and Europe remain stable destinations for investments despite political turbulence on the continent, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz assured Tuesday, at the start of a tour of three Asian countries aimed at strengthening Germany's partnerships beyond China. Speaking in Singapore, the first stage of a trip which will also take him to Japan and South Korea, Friedrich Merz affirmed that there was "no uncertainty in Europe". “Under the federal government that I lead, investment opportunities will continue to improve,” he assured after meeting Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

“All I can say is that I see a lot of confidence here in Germany and Europe as investment destinations,” the German leader added. German government under pressure The statements come despite renewed political turmoil in Berlin, where its government is under pressure, particularly after the resignation this month of a key minister from its coalition's minority partner. Friedrich Merz's popularity has also eroded, while support for the far right has increased.

Elsewhere in Europe, France has been the scene of large-scale looting and protests in recent weeks. The Singaporean Prime Minister also assured that investor confidence in Germany and Europe remained high. “Our investors are long-term investors.

They are not investing just for one election cycle," he said. Tensions with China and the United States Germany is seeking to diversify its strategic and commercial ties, while the United States has become a less reliable ally under Donald Trump and China - its largest economic partner in Asia - is increasingly emerging as a rival. "China's central role in global politics raises fundamental questions about trade, security and international order," Friedrich stressed Merz.

According to experts, Berlin views the democracies of Japan and South Korea, as well as business-friendly city-state Singapore, as like-minded partners. The German chancellor is due to fly to Japan on Wednesday, where he will meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, before traveling to South Korea on Thursday and Friday. He is due to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday, then visit the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas on Friday.

At the same time, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German head of state with an essentially honorary role, is due to go to China this week. He will deliver a speech at Peking University on Thursday, before meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang on Friday.

Machine-translated from French