Merz in Schwerin: Focus on the future of rural areas!

Merz in Schwerin: Focus on the future of rural areas!

On November 4, 2025, Chancellor Friedrich Merz laid the foundation for closer cooperation between the federal and state governments by visiting Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. This visit took place as part of his inaugural trip through all 16 federal states and could already look back on numerous stops, including Saxony, Baden-Württemberg and Bremen. In Schwerin he was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig and took part in a cabinet meeting in the State Chancellery. The topics of the exchange were diverse and ranged from the role of the federal state as a gateway to the Baltic Sea to the current labor market situation and the challenges in rural regions.

During the meeting, Merz emphasized the Hanseatic character of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which is more than 90% rural. He placed a particular focus on the future of rural areas and promised the rapid completion of the Wolgast bypass, a project that is of great importance for the regional infrastructure. The Chancellor also expressed the need to improve the port infrastructure in Germany, a point that was supported by both the Prime Minister and those present. This infrastructural strengthening could also have a lasting impact on the economic landscape of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Economic impulses for Baden-Württemberg

In her remarks, Schwesig highlighted the crucial role of the health sector in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which provides over 160,000 jobs and contributes to gross added value of 7.2 billion euros. The Prime Minister led a lively discussion about the challenges, in particular the reduction in the catering tax and the commuter allowance, which have an enormous impact on the quality of life locally. Financing issues in connection with the port system were also discussed, with Schwesig calling for an increase in funding from the federal budget.

Another key point of the conversation was support for healthcare in rural areas, which is facing challenges due to demographic change and a growing need for medical care. This has become increasingly noticeable in recent years and is part of a general trend: more and more people are moving from cities to the countryside, making rural regions more lively than ever. This development is not only positive for the quality of life, but also for economic stability and the preservation of social structures in the communities.

Technological advances and climate goals

Merz also reiterated the federal government's position to stick to the EU's climate goals while at the same time striving to promote technological solutions. In particular, the expansion of the digital infrastructure is highlighted as crucial to ensuring economic development and social participation. The government report on rural areas, which was approved by various federal ministries in 2024, focuses on the challenges of a shortage of skilled workers and demographic change that regional actors have to face. It is strongly recommended that local needs be incorporated into policy decisions to improve living conditions in both rural and urban areas.

Overall, it can be said that Chancellor Merz's visit sends an important signal for strengthening cooperation between the federal and state governments. It remains to be hoped that the promised measures will be implemented soon in order to consolidate Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as an important economic player in the state. The focus is on the successes in the healthcare industry and the efforts to keep the quality of life high in rural areas.

For further information on the importance of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and its challenges and opportunities in rural areas, take a look at the Federal Chancellor's website or the Government report on rural Rooms.