Merz's empty threats against Leipzig attackers: Raising expectations without meeting them

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to impose a price on those responsible for hybrid attacks, stating, "The federal government will make perpetrators of hybrid attacks pay – they will pay for it." This strong declaration came amidst recent drone incidents at Leipzig Airport, which have escalated hybrid threats against Germany.

However, the article from Neue Zürcher Zeitung expresses concern that Merz's forceful language may outpace Germany's actual capacity to act. The author suggests a pattern where the Chancellor adopts a resolute stance but lacks corresponding actions, potentially jeopardizing Germany's credibility. The drone incidents in Leipzig, possibly part of a larger Russian plan, along with the discovery of a suspected Russian arms depot near Berlin, underscore the evolving nature of these threats.

Despite the escalating situation, Germany's options for retaliating against Russia appear limited. While Germany could advocate for stricter EU sanctions or a more decisive stance against Russia's shadow fleet, these measures might not significantly impact Russia's war economy, especially given its continued economic ties with India and China. This creates a disconnect between Merz's assertive rhetoric and the practical limitations he faces.

The article concludes that if Russian President Putin perceives a gap between Merz's threats and Germany's subsequent actions, it could have detrimental consequences for Germany's standing. The author implies that a failure to follow through on such strong pronouncements could weaken Germany's position internationally.

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The federal government will make perpetrators of hybrid attacks pay – they will pay for it.