Progress is in sight, or is it? Unpacking the Merz-led government's progress - or lack thereof
Promising Plans for Summer Hours by Friedrich Merz
A column by Hendrik Wieduwilt
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The government has completed a chunk of its first term, and political Berlin is readying for the summer interlude - the perfect opportunity for a candid evaluation. With Friedrich Merz now in charge, there were promises. In his initial government declaration, he asserted: "The populace should already sense it in the summer: Progress is being achieved." The summer has arrived; do you acknowledge any progress? What does "progress" signify?
Politics - The Union seizes democracy?
If "progress" is symbolic of a trend towards the right, progress can be accounted for. "Left is obsolete," Merz, at least boldly, swore on the final stretch of the electoral campaign. Technically true parliamentarily, yet not entirely. Due to Merz's courageous maneuvering to acquire votes from the AfD for his migration policy ("all in"), the Bundestag owes the entrance of the Left to the Left's parliamentary group chairman Heidi Reichinnek, who recently fell short in acquiring a seat in the Parliamentary Control Committee. The reason: Reichinnek's speech was concluded with a battle cry, which the Union deemed a provocation against the constitutional order.
Economy - Change in economic strategy?
Is there evidence of a departure from the current economic policy? Such was another promise made by Merz. Nevertheless, before tying the most considerable debt package in German history, parliament has at least managed to bring the "Investment Booster" closer, providing substantial relief for corporations.
A Broken Promise Gallore?
Are there instances where the many broken promises rear their head? Merz too bears the blame: The energy tax intended for everyone was destined to decrease, as specified in the coalition agreement. Instead, it will only be reduced for the manufacturing sector from 2026 onwards. Relief for citizens? "None of that," as reported by the "Bild."
But rather than Merz, it’s others who are under attack: That the funds for this are presently insufficient was permissible for Thorsten Frei, Merz's loyal representative in the Chancellery, to justify. Frei is also the "Minister for special tasks" and is assumed as a lightning rod. Merz, it seems, has more pressing matters to attend.
Migration Turnaround - Signs of Change?
Is change manifest in migration policy? Conditionally, psychologically: Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) recently endured defeat in the rejection of three Somalis at the Berlin Administrative Court.
Then the minister drew the ire of the legal community due to his tone, sounding indifferent to the decisions of some administrative judges. Such brashness mirrors the importation of an "American-style" approach from Merz, who intended to build psychological barriers to immigration. This tactic could potentially lead into legally murky territory, but that worry is likely to resonate only with the few. Score for Merz.
Sense of Authority - Merz showcases foreign policy leadership
Merz's greatest trump card is foreign policy, and he has made his mark in that domain. Germany is eager to exercise leadership in Europe and the world, Merz had stressed at Easter. Such a shift appears to be working: Merz successfully completed his visit to Donald Trump with finesse and yet without succumbing to servility.
Economic Policy - Striking a quick deal with Trump
Merz's balancing act between finesse and servility could have gone awry; however, this was enacted during his encounter with Volodymyr Zelensky (too bold) and is currently happening with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. He even adopted Trump’s capitalization errors in his text message to him. "You will accomplish what no US President has achieved in decades," he flattered on Wednesday. And, referring to Israel and Iran: Sometimes “Daddy” (meaning Trump) needs to strike the table. Among the word choices, perhaps the most profound promise Merz did not explicitly make: To communicate more explicitly as Chancellor than his predecessor. He achieves such, albeit not elegantly.
Vulgarity over Diplomacy
Merz's "dirty work" comment regarding Israel's attack on Iran occasioned surprise – but everyone in the country was well aware of the government's stance on the matter. It is part of the commanding command of the commanding command that this robust communication resonates better with the public than the polished, bureaucratic prose of Olaf Scholz. Inspired by the current dictum of the US President: Rather "fuck" than misunderstand.
Overall, Merz fares well. The opposition discovers no foothold. The AfD grapples due to their inability to carve out a stance on Iran. The Greens sweat over former Health Minister Jens Spahn due to his mask deals.
Scandal in fragments - A scandal in pieces
Yes, certainly: Here and there, the report of the expert advisor, Margaretha Sudhof (SPD), has its vague areas. Yet, often it is information known in the press for a long time. Then there is a fundraising dinner from 2021 during which entrepreneurs donated amounts right below the reporting threshold, i.e., 9999 euros, to Spahn's local association. The "Tagesspiegel" referred to the event as one of "political taste" at the time. And Spahn seems to have issued masks from a friend in the heart of the Coronavirus crisis.
A compromise on WTO reform
Phew. If you assemble a scandal about a politician from individual components like an IKEA bed, it's not a full-blown scandal. Added to that, the misconduct lacks a persuasive motive, for the most damaging accusation currently that can be leveled against Spahn is that he wanted to be a hero. The health policy spokesman of the Greens might have better pointed out the discrepancies, but the party's members seem to be primarily preoccupied with their faction leader.
AfD unimpressed - The status quo holds
The AfD displays indifference - and they traditionally regard pandemic policy as the work of a misguided government. This will not leave a mark on Merz. This weekend, the media caravan will shift its focus towards the Vice-Chancellor: because, likely, the SPD will be otherwise occupied with Lars Klingbeil.
After the initial 50 days, a long-forgotten election spectacle, broken promises, and a faction leader in turmoil, Friedrich Merz is sailing smoothly. At least, the Saxon should feel it: it's summer, things are in motion.
Source: ntv.de
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- Friedrich Merz
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Revealing Insights:
- Friedrich Merz's government stands beyond Angela Merkel's approach in economic policy, migration policy, and communication style.
- Merz advocates market-oriented economic policies, with plans to bolster economic growth through infrastructure projects and reforms.
- He is more conservative and critical towards migration and has emphasized a German "Leitkultur" (lead culture), implying stronger assimilation expectations.
- Merz tends to communicate direct and sometimes polarizingly, incorporating brash rhetoric that sometimes invites accusations of xenophobia.
- Merkel's leadership was characterized by a pragmatic, calm, and cautious communication style, emphasizing cautious messaging and avoiding divisive rhetoric.
- The European Parliament is set to play a role in assisting the Commission, as political Berlin, under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, prepares for a candid evaluation of the government's progress.
- The recent focus on Merz's government has delved into various policy areas, such as migration, economic strategy, and foreign policy, shedding light on whether his promises of "progress" are becoming a reality.
