Germany's three-month tenure under Merz's administration feels significantly extended
After a hundred days in office, the German government led by Friedrich Merz has faced criticism and declining public approval across key areas such as immigration, economy, environment, foreign policy, and parliamentary procedure.
Immigration
Merz's strict crackdown on irregular migration, a shift from Angela Merkel’s centrist policies, has not translated into broad public support or reduced the far-right AfD's gains. In fact, the far-right party has overtaken the CDU/CSU in popularity.
Economy
The government's promise of economic growth without new debt and proposed reforms to the welfare state and infrastructure has not been fulfilled. Critics argue that Merz has protected the status quo by maintaining a costly welfare system while increasing government debt through subsidies, resulting in a sedated economy.
Environment
The government's approach to the energy transition and climate policy has been marked by uncertainty and a lack of decisive action. The coalition's intended swift address of key climate tasks has been clouded by lingering doubts and a chaotic start, undermining Germany’s path to climate neutrality.
Foreign Policy
Merz's tenure has brought a new sense of resolve internationally amid global trade and security challenges. However, domestic discontent overshadows foreign policy achievements.
Parliamentary Procedure and Political Climate
Parliamentary dynamics have been strained by coalition disagreements and public dissatisfaction. Merz's personal approval rating has dropped dramatically to about 29-32%, with CDU/CSU support falling below that of the far-right AfD. Confidence in the government’s ability to address Germany’s problems is low, raising questions about the coalition's stability and long-term viability.
Border Control
Germany is turning back people at its borders on a discretionary basis, a move that has sparked controversy and debate.
State Retirement Age
The state retirement age is rising faster than ever due to a pensions bill expansion.
Ukrainian Refugee Benefits
There is a debate on whether to cut Ukrainian refugee benefits.
Party Discipline and Coalition Breakdown
The CDU/CSU's breakdown in party discipline, as evidenced by the failed vote for judge Brosius-Gersdorf, has seriously damaged the coalition and potentially, our democratic system as a whole. It was unpredictable that Merz's authority would disintegrate so quickly due to disciplinary issues within his own party.
Flirt with Fascism
There was a flirt with fascism involving Merz and the AfD over a bill on 'curbing the inflow'.
Steady Hand in Foreign Affairs
Despite the domestic challenges, Merz personally and the German government have shown a steady hand in foreign affairs, building a stable rapport with Donald Trump without appearing as a lackey. The foreign office's good background work has resulted in neighbors leaving their reaction to Germany’s unilateral border checks at a low-to-symbolic level.
However, the German government's lobbying for Ursula von der Leyen to loosen up green policy at EU level and the planning to build dozens of new gas-fired power stations have raised concerns about the government's commitment to climate neutrality. Olaf Scholz's pursuit of a parochial Chancellorship and the allowing of relationships with neighbors to deteriorate have also been points of criticism.
Annalena Baerbock's foreign policy has damaged Germany’s standing abroad. The German government's current instability, as per opinion polls, has led to a disintegration of Merz's authority due to disciplinary issues within his own CDU/CSU formation.
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- The German government, under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, has faced criticism for its approach to environmental science and climate-change, with a chaotic start and uncertain action on energy transition and climate policy.
- In the realm of politics, party discipline within the CDU/CSU has become a point of concern, as evidenced by the failed vote for judge Brosius-Gersdorf, potentially damaging the coalition and the democratic system as a whole.
- In sports, particularly football, the European leagues follow the Premier League closely, but recent controversies surrounding border control, flirtations with fascism and climate policy have raised questions about Germany's commitment to general news issues like climate neutrality.
- Although the government has shown a steady hand in foreign affairs, building a stable rapport with leaders like Donald Trump, it has also faced criticism over its lobbying for looser green policies at the EU level and plans to construct new gas-fired power stations.
- Crime and justice have been less of a focus for the German government, but a debate on whether to cut Ukrainian refugee benefits still exists.
- The economic policy of the German government, including the rising state retirement age and the pensions bill expansion, has been met with criticism for not fostering growth as promised, and for maintaining a costly welfare system while increasing debt.
