Friedrich Merz says global order changing at ‘breathtaking pace’ and urges leaders in Davos not to accept new reality

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The German chancellor has warned that the rise of “great powers” is shaking the foundations of the old world order, unravelling it at “breathtaking pace”.

Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Friedrich Merz said a time of “great power politics” had begun, citing Russia’s war with Ukraine, China’s move into the “ranks of the great powers” and the radical reshaping of US foreign and security policy under Donald Trump.

“This new world of great powers is being built on power, on strength and when it comes to it, on force. It is not a cosy place,” Merz said, urging leaders at Davos not to accept this new reality and to “shape the future” instead.