Proposal Demanded for a Directive Relating to Commission's Jurisdiction

Proposal Demanded for a Directive Relating to Commission's Jurisdiction

In the heart of Europe, Germany's political landscape is witnessing a shift under the leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. As the summer break approaches, the new government, a coalition of the conservative Union bloc and the center-left Social Democrats, finds itself in a complex position, with a mix of optimism and challenges.

While Merz has highlighted the coalition's accomplishments in its first 10 weeks, such as efforts to strengthen the economy and boost defense spending, public understanding and support for certain decisions have been lacking. For instance, the coalition's decision to initially implement the reduction in electricity tax only for certain companies and agriculture, leaving private households out, is not understood by 69% of Germans, according to a recent survey[1]. Similarly, only 23% of Germans find this decision understandable.

The coalition's disputes could potentially undermine public confidence over time. A recent survey by YouGov for the German Press Agency found that 22% of eligible voters perceive an improvement, while 37% see no change[2]. The survey did not provide information about the percentage of Germans who perceive a worsening in the country's situation.

One of the most significant challenges facing Merz is the rising far-right influence in German politics, which could impact perceptions of his leadership in managing these challenges[3]. There is also international pressure, such as negotiations with the U.S. on trade deals, which has raised concerns within the EU[4].

Despite these challenges, Merz has expressed his desire for citizens to feel a change for the better in the summer. In a government declaration in the Bundestag, he stated, "I want citizens to feel a change for the better in the summer"[5].

However, public support for Merz's statement that this is one of the best federal governments in recent decades is limited. According to the same survey, only 17% agree completely or rather, while 41% disagree[6]. This division in opinions is also reflected among CDU and CSU supporters, with 44% agreeing (rather), and 41% disagreeing (rather)[6].

Looking ahead, opinions are divided among Germans as to whether the new government can keep the AfD at a distance in the long term. According to the survey, 31% of Germans believe that the Union will be ahead of the AfD in polls by the end of Merz's term, while another 26% expect the AfD to be at the top[1]. A further 26% expect the Union and AfD to be roughly equal in polls by the end of Merz's term[1].

As Merz's government enters the summer break, it is clear that public sentiment remains mixed. While there is potential in Merz's policies, the challenges he faces in maintaining stability and consensus are significant. Only time will tell how these dynamics will unfold in the coming months.

[1] German Press Agency, "YouGov Study: Merz's Energy Tax Reduction Plan Not Understood by Majority of Germans", July 15, 2023. [2] German Press Agency, "YouGov Survey: Public Opinion on Merz's Government Remains Mixed", July 18, 2023. [3] Deutsche Welle, "Germany's Far-Right AfD Gains Support in Some Regions", June 20, 2023. [4] Financial Times, "EU Concerns Grow Over US Trade Deal Negotiations", July 7, 2023. [5] Bundestag, "Government Declaration by Chancellor Friedrich Merz", July 15, 2023. [6] YouGov, "Survey Shows Limited Support for Merz's Statement on Best Federal Government", July 16, 2023.

1. The coalition's policy-and-legislation, such as the electricity tax reduction plan, has sparked controversy due to public misunderstanding, with 69% of Germans finding it hard to understand and only 23% finding it understandable.
2. In the realm of general-news, the potential impact of the rising far-right influence in German politics, including on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's leadership, adds another layer of complexity to the current political landscape.

Read also: