Friedrich Merz's 100-day tenure marks history's ironic twist, coinciding with the anniversary of the infamous Berlin Wall's fall in East Germany.
In the heart of Europe, Germany, under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz since May 2025, continues to thrive as a stable democracy with a strong commitment to the rule of law. However, Merz's administration has adopted a notably stricter approach on immigration and national security, sparking domestic political tensions [1][2][3].
Merz has made it clear that he will defend democratic values, rule of law, and freedom, particularly in response to external threats like Russia’s war in Ukraine and the rise of far-right movements within Germany [2]. The government has outlined plans for stricter border controls, a near-complete ban on illegal entry, tightened detention and deportation measures, and enhanced federal police powers [1][3].
Yet, these policies are subject to parliamentary debate, legal frameworks, and public scrutiny, ensuring democratic accountability. However, there are signs of political friction within the ruling coalition, especially concerning Merz's right-leaning policies [3]. Controversies around judicial appointments and disagreements within the coalition indicate ongoing democratic debates and parliamentary scrutiny.
Comparing Merz's government to the authoritarian socialist state of the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany, 1949-1990) is misleading. The GDR lacked democratic pluralism and rule of law by Western standards, characterised by no free multiparty elections, suppression of political dissent, and extensive state surveillance [4]. In contrast, the current Merz government operates within the constitutional liberal democracy of the Federal Republic of Germany, featuring free, competitive elections, an independent judiciary, and protection of civil liberties and human rights [4].
Critics have raised concerns about the government's actions, such as the confiscation of phones and laptops for "evidence collection" at six in the morning, concealed economic recession with false numbers, and the rise in crime rate [5]. However, it is essential to remember that these issues are subject to ongoing debate, scrutiny, and investigation within the democratic framework of Germany.
In summary, Germany under Merz remains a democratic state upholding rule of law, albeit with a more conservative and security-focused policy agenda, distinctly different from the authoritarian and undemocratic GDR era. The government's actions should be evaluated within the context of democratic accountability, ensuring that all voices are heard and that the rule of law is upheld.
- In light of Merz's administration's tougher stance on immigration and national security, Germany's political landscape has seen a rise in debates revolving around policy-and-legislation and crime-and-justice.
- The German government's proposed measures for stricter border controls, enhanced federal police powers, and tightened immigration policies are part of the war-and-conflicts and general-news discourses, as they address security concerns in Europe and within Germany.
- Despite critics raising concerns about certain government actions, such as questionable evidence collection methods and alleged economic deceit, the transparency and scrutiny inherent in Germany's democracy ensure that these issues are thoroughly debated, with the ultimate goal of maintaining the rule of law and upholding democratic values.
