Chancellor Friedrich Merz celebrates reaching the milestone of 100 days in office in Germany.
In the past 100 days, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has taken the helm of Germany, embarking on a journey to restore the nation's international standing while navigating a tumultuous domestic landscape.
Foreign Policy: A Stronger Germany on the Global Stage
Merz has positioned Germany more assertively on the global stage than his predecessors. Early in his term, he prioritized European unity and support for Ukraine, undertaking a high-profile visit to Kyiv with other European leaders to underline solidarity against Russian aggression. His approach contrasts with Angela Merkel’s caution towards Russia and Olaf Scholz’s initially hesitant stance on the Ukraine conflict. Merz also engaged actively with the US and NATO, meeting leaders such as US President Donald Trump and attending NATO summits, reinforcing Germany’s role as Europe’s strategic anchor[5][4][2].
Domestic Issues: Coalition Tensions and Public Dissatisfaction
Domestically, Merz’s government has struggled with internal coalition tensions between his CDU/CSU alliance and their coalition partners, the Social Democrats (SPD). His right-leaning policies, especially a strict migration crackdown, have created friction within the coalition and alienated some SPD members who feel overshadowed or sidelined. A major controversy erupted over the stalled nomination of judges to Germany's highest court, exposing coalition discord and party infighting. Public approval for Merz and his government remains low, with his personal approval rating dropping to around 32%, reflecting voter unease about his hardline positions on immigration, social welfare cuts, and perceived lack of commitment to climate action[2][4].
The coalition’s handling of economic challenges also drew criticism. Despite promises to stabilize planning security for companies and reduce energy costs, lingering uncertainty over the energy transition persists. Controversies include easing constitutional debt limits to finance policy priorities, which alienated some conservative voters who had supported Merz’s CDU in court to maintain stricter fiscal discipline under the previous government[1].
Coalition Controversies: Internal Disputes and Mistrust
The coalition has been strained by internal disputes and mistrust, with observers noting that governance feels as difficult as during the previous "traffic light" coalition era. Differences over migration policy, social spending cuts, and symbolic controversies—such as Merz dismissing requests to fly an LGBTQ rainbow flag on the parliament building—have further exposed divisions. The blocked court judge nominations and reactionary stances from conservative media amplified tensions, requiring withdrawals and parliamentary postponements[2][4].
In conclusion, Merz’s first 100 days demonstrate a chancellor resolved to restore Germany’s international standing with a clear strategic vision, but simultaneously grappling with divided domestic politics, coalition frictions, and hesitant public support, especially on social and climate policies. The government’s future success will depend on how effectively it can bridge internal divisions while delivering on its economic and energy promises[1][3][5].
Some of the key domestic issues include the focus on curbing irregular immigration, with controversial border control measures leading to disputes with EU allies. The confirmation of judges to the Federal Constitutional Court has been a contentious issue, leading to a major crisis within the coalition. The government's decision to ease debt rules and invest more in the country's future has been met with criticism from conservative voters who supported stricter fiscal discipline under the previous government. Additionally, the promise to lower electricity prices for everyone has been broken, with the reduction only applied to the industrial, agricultural, and forestry sectors.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz's foreign policy aims to strengthen Germany's global influence, with a focus on European unity, support for Ukraine, and active engagement with the US and NATO.
- Merz's domestic policy, however, has been met with internal coalition tensions and public dissatisfaction, particularly over his strict migration policies and climate action commitments.
- The international media and general news have covered the controversies within the German government, including the stalled nomination of judges to Germany's highest court and the coalition's handling of economic challenges.
- The government's policy on migration has led to disputes not only within the coalition but also with EU allies, highlighting the complexities of the world's interconnected climate and migration issues.
- The significance of Merz's chancellorship extends beyond Germany, influencing the climate and politics of the EU and the international arena, particularly in light of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
- Society and the environment are at the heart of these political debates, with the government's policy decisions affecting not just the climate but also the lives and rights of diverse communities.
- The success of Merz's government will rely on its ability to navigate these domestic and international challenges, fostering policy-and-legislation that benefits both society and the environment while maintaining the trust of the German people and international partners.
