Black-red symbols versus traffic signals: their differences outlined

Coalition Strain: After less than three months, tensions rise within the Union and SPD, leaving members craving a breather. The Chancellery, however, highlights a net positive outcome. The question remains: Can the coalition reconcile post-summer vacation?

, and ASMedia

2025 August 27 . 2:03 AM

3 min read

Differentiating Black-Red from Traffic Lights: The Unshared Qualities Explored

Black-red symbols versus traffic signals: their differences outlined

In the first 100 days of the Black-Red coalition, formed by the CDU/CSU and SPD, Germany's new government has faced a series of significant challenges.

The coalition's inability to deliver on key election promises, such as reducing migration, boosting economic growth, and reforming social welfare, has led to poor poll ratings. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has not been able or willing to fulfill these promises, leading to criticism and comparisons with predecessors like Olaf Scholz and Angela Merkel in their early days[1].

The coalition's perceived lack of reform and status quo protection has also been a source of concern. Commentators note that the government appears reluctant to enact reforms and instead protects existing welfare structures despite their flaws. This has created a sense of stagnation similar to the previous government[1].

One of the most controversial issues facing the coalition is migration policy. After a stabbing attack by a rejected Afghan asylum seeker, Merz pushed migration and homeland security resolutions that passed partly with votes from the far-right AfD party. While Merz denies formal cooperation, the involvement of AfD votes sparked widespread criticism and protests, damaging the coalition's public image and raising internal tensions[2][4].

The coalition's low public approval and trust in leadership is another challenge. Recent polls show only about 28% satisfaction with the government and low trust in Merz’s communication style and overall leadership. Many citizens feel the coalition is out of touch with their concerns, particularly regarding the economy and social policies[3].

Ongoing internal disputes and political controversies have also impacted the coalition’s effectiveness. Disputes such as the appointment of judges to the Constitutional Court and cultural policies (e.g., banning gendering language) have added to perceptions of coalition disunity and paternalism, further eroding public support[3].

The Union faction is no longer a "Chancellor's election association" like it was in the times of Helmut Kohl or Angela Merkel. Merz suggested Spahn for the faction leadership because he trusted him to unite the Union MPs behind the government line, but his decision to partially halt weapons exports to Israel was uncoordinated with the Union faction and the CSU[5].

The alternative to relying on the economy is saving, but that's unlikely to work without reforming the social systems, which could be painful for the SPD. The Union is banking on the economy picking up and filling the state coffers with tax revenue, but this is a risky bet[6].

Despite these challenges, Klingbeil and the Chancellor have maintained a reliable relationship and communicated on equal terms. However, the future of the Black-Red coalition remains uncertain, with CSU leader Söder already referring to it as the "last bullet of democracy."[7]

[1] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus238023417/Die-Koalition-ist-schwierig-und-unzufrieden-Merkel-spielt-in-der-Union-keine-Rolle-mehr.html

[2] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/koalitionsvertrag-afd-stimmt-merz-zu-migration-und-innere-sicherheit-a-132043848.html

[3] https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/koalition-probleme-merz-und-spd-verschwittern-in-der-koalition-loesungen-fehlen-100-tage-spiegel-interview-a-1788149.html

[4] https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus238023417/Die-Koalition-ist-schwierig-und-unzufrieden-Merkel-spielt-in-der-Union-keine-Rolle-mehr.html

[5] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/merz-lost-den-union-und-die-kanzlerkandidaten-wahlen-spahn-a-1315851.html

[6] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/koalitionsvertrag-afd-stimmt-merz-zu-migration-und-innere-sicherheit-a-132043848.html

[7] https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/koalition-probleme-merz-und-spd-verschwittern-in-der-koalition-loesungen-fehlen-100-tage-spiegel-interview-a-1788149.html