Criticization of Merz administration after 100 days by Leader of the Left Party, Schwerdtner, deemed a fiasco
In the first 100 days of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's federal government, the Left Party, under Chairwoman Ines Schwerdtner, has voiced strong criticism. Schwerdtner has labelled the government's performance as a "classic false start, a fiasco."
Schwerdtner has accused the Social Democrats (SPD) of being too compliant in the current coalition, even going as far as to implement a harsher immigration policy and do the "dirty work" of the CDU. She has described the SPD as passive, comparing them to a "sleeping rabbit."
The Left Party leader has also criticised the government's overall hesitation and passivity, particularly regarding humanitarian issues such as the proposal to rescue children from Gaza. Schwerdtner has called opposing views by conservative ministers "shameful."
Schwerdtner has condemned the federal government's distribution of money, stating that instead of relief for the majority, there are gifts for large companies under the current government. She has also criticised spending on defense, calling it investments in "dead metal."
Schwerdtner believes that the government's policies of cutting at schools and hospitals, leaving municipalities financially in the lurch, and pursuing an authoritarian immigration policy, while simultaneously arming up, will lead to the continued popularity of the AfD.
In foreign policy, Schwerdtner has not left any good word for Chancellor Merz. She has stated that he makes many words but little pressure. The meeting between Chancellor Merz and US President Donald Trump in the White House, according to Schwerdtner, had no effect on tariffs, the Ukraine war, or the Gaza war.
Schwerdtner has particularly criticised the pension law passed by the cabinet, stating that a pension level of 48% is not enough. She has also criticised the government for failing to deliver meaningful structural reforms in areas such as pensions, work, and care.
Schwerdtner has demanded that the Left Party be granted a right to nominate candidates and a seat at the table in future Bundestag judge elections, as CDU/CSU has refused to negotiate with them, even though their votes could become necessary to avoid reliance on the far-right AfD.
Schwerdtner's comments were made to the 'New Osnabrücker Zeitung' (Saturday editions). Despite her criticism, it remains to be seen whether the Merz government will heed the Left Party's calls for change and reform.
[1] Source: New Osnabrücker Zeitung (Saturday editions) [2] Source: Unspecified [3] Source: Unspecified
- The Left Party, under Chairwoman Ines Schwerdtner, has criticized the Merz government's immigration policy as being too harsh, calling it a reflection of the CDU's "dirty work." (General News, Politics)
- Schwerdtner has accused the federal government of prioritizing large corporations over relief for the majority, while simultaneously investing in defense, which she calls "dead metal." (Crime and Justice, Policy and Legislation, Economy)
- Schwerdtner has condemned the government's handling of humanitarian issues such as the proposal to rescue children from Gaza, stating that their opposition to the proposal is "shameful." (War-and-Conflicts, Humanitarian Aid)
