Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), emphasized that freedom and economic liberalism are core elements of his economic policy during an event in Berlin on 5 November. The gathering was organized by the Friedrich August von Hayek Foundation, which awarded a two‑year prize to Wikipedia co‑founder Jimmy Wales. Merz praised the Austrian economist and Nobel laureate Friedrich Hayek (1899‑1992) as one of the most influential liberal thinkers. In his remarks, he stated that he does not support an unregulated form of capitalism. “Maintaining well‑being requires adapting the economy and, when necessary, state intervention to mitigate social consequences and provide support,” he said. He also highlighted the state’s role in reducing economic risks arising from dependence on critical raw materials. Merz called for expanding supply sources, strengthening recycling, and creating strategic reserves at the European Union level. In addition, Merz criticized the possibility of a left‑wing coalition in Berlin, in which the radical left party Die Linke seeks an alliance with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Greens. Referring to the CDU’s 1976 electoral slogan, he declared, “Freedom instead of socialism.” He underscored the importance of open markets, describing freedom as a competitive advantage. “No state can centrally gather all the necessary knowledge and pre‑determine the right solutions. Therefore, open markets, entrepreneurial freedom, and competition are needed so that the best solutions develop in a decentralized manner, not from the center,” he added.