Has Friedrich Merz reached his end? - Merz's political career possibly reaching an end?
In a dramatic turn of events, Friedrich Merz, the new leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has taken the helm after a period of uncertainty. Despite initial gloomy forecasts and predictions of failure, Merz has asserted himself with vigour, echoing the resilience demonstrated by his predecessor, Angela Merkel.
The CDU, under Merz's leadership, is a party that unites various currents, from the liberal wing to the ultra-conservative. However, his decisions have not been without controversy. Criticism has been mounting, with many within his party expressing discontent, particularly over his decision to push through a billion-dollar debt package.
One of the most divisive decisions Merz has made is his decision to halt the delivery of weapons to Israel. This move has provoked his party and sparked intense scrutiny and evaluation in the public sphere. The Israel decision is a point of contention for Merz within his party, and it has added to the noise surrounding every decision he makes.
The polls are currently bad for the Union under Friedrich Merz's leadership. The impression can arise that "the new one" just can't do it. Yet, it has not been reached that a majority of the CDU turns against Merz, a critical point for his leadership.
Merz's political career has been a rollercoaster ride. He began his prominent political career in the 1990s and early 2000s, serving as a deputy representative of the CDU. However, after handing over the floor leader position to Angela Merkel in 2002, his influence waned, and he faded from prominent party roles. His political comeback was marked by a landslide victory in internal CDU leadership elections in early 2022 and eventual confirmation as the CDU's chancellor candidate in September 2024.
As Chancellor, starting May 2025, Merz pursued a vigorous agenda, repositioning Germany’s foreign and security policy assertively. He prioritized strengthening European unity, significantly increased military spending, and underscored strong support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He positioned Germany as a central player in transatlantic security alliances, aligning closely with Western partners.
Domestically, Merz faced discord within his governing coalition and sharp criticism over his migration and homeland security policies. Following a fatal stabbing attack by a rejected asylum seeker, Merz introduced a "five-point plan" on migration, which, controversially, was passed with support from the right-wing AfD party, breaking the traditional cordon sanitaire around the AfD. This sparked widespread protests and backlash from coalition partners, religious representatives, and even former Chancellor Merkel, reflecting internal CDU tensions and polarized public opinion.
The CDU, under Merkel's leadership in November 2006, also faced a poll slump. Yet, Merkel's political slump in July 2007 was followed by an improvement, with the Union polling at 40% and Merkel topping popularity charts. This test is likely four more years away for Merz.
The voters' turn away from Merz could be a critical point, but this test is likely four more years away. In the meantime, Merz continues to face scrutiny and evaluation in the public sphere. His decisions, particularly his Israel decision and coordination, are being closely watched and debated. Yet, Merz remains resolute, forging ahead with his ambitious agenda, shaping the future of German politics.
[1] Source for Merz's political career: [Link to the source] [2] Source for Merz's foreign and security policy: [Link to the source] [3] Source for Merz's transatlantic alliances: [Link to the source] [4] Source for the migration and homeland security policies: [Link to the source]
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