Chancellor Race: Michel Friedman Views Merz's Victory as Coalition of Suspicion
Coalition of Skepticism Initiated by Friedman: Red and Black Parties Form Uneasy Alliance - Alliance of Mistrust: Black-Red Unites
In the wake of Friedrich Merz's (CDU) election as chancellor in the second round, publicist Michel Friedman sees the event as an uncertain start. "Never in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany has a chancellor failed to secure their own majority in the first round—that's a blunder, and it'll leave a lasting impact," Friedman said at an event in Potsdam. "This coalition kicks off as a coalition of mistrust."
Merz, who was appointed federal chancellor Tuesday, needed the backing of the Greens and the Left to muster the necessary two-thirds majority for a time extension in the second round, Friedman explained. The need for opposition support demonstrates the inner workings of democracy, he added, emphasizing that the second round would not have occurred until Friday without their consent.
Friedman believes Merz will soon question the reliability of his backers, stating, "I hope he has that. Because I wish it for our country." Being a stable government, as Friedman sees it, is critical. In a democracy, a stable government exists only if it commands the support of a parliamentary majority.
Before parting ways with the CDU in January, Friedman was a longtime member. His departure followed the joint vote on migration policy in the Bundestag by the Union and the AfD.
- Michel Friedman
- Chancellor Election
- Friedrich Merz
- Potsdam
- Democracy
- Federal Republic of Germany
- German Press Agency
Insight:
Merz's successful election as chancellor might worry Friedman, considering the risks inherent in multilateral governing arrangements. A tense and suspicious coalition could prove fragile, with policies and ideological differences causing rifts between partners. The election's aftermath could test Merz's capacity to build trust with coalition partners while maintaining a stable and effective administration, as perceived by the public and the media.
- Michel Friedman, a former CDU member, expressed concern about Friedrich Merz's victory in the chancellor election, suggesting that the coalition formed is shrouded in mistrust.
- Friedman predicted that Merz might question the reliability of his coalition partners, as a stable government in a democracy can only exist with the support of a parliamentary majority.
- During an event in Potsdam, Friedman emphasized that Merz's need for the backing of the Greens and the Left to secure a time extension demonstrated the inner workings of democracy.
- Friedman's departure from the CDU was prompted by their joint vote on migration policy in the Bundestag with the AfD, which he could not support.
