Recommendation for a radiation safety directive for workers is a requirement being imposed on the Commission, outlining measures to safeguard employees from risks arising from radiation exposure.

Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate for the Christian Democrats (CDU) in the 2025 German federal election, is presenting a strategic and determined approach to the campaign. His performance so far showcases a mix of ambition, firm narrative stance, and political craftsmanship, combined with challenges on courage and resilience in managing coalition tensions and public backlash.

Strategic Positioning

Merz has positioned the CDU firmly against cooperation with the far-right AfD, upholding an “anti-AfD firewall” despite the AfD being the Bundestag’s second-largest party with 21% vote share[1][2]. This decision has shaped coalition dynamics, as Merz opted to govern with the SPD, a party with divergent policy goals and low electoral legitimacy (16% vote), which has led to internal friction and weakened his coalition’s stability[1][3].

Narrative

Merz has crafted a narrative of restoring fiscal discipline and national security, pledging to reinstate the “debt brake” and pushing a firm migration policy, exemplified by a controversial “five-point plan” to limit migration. However, his subsequent policy reversals (significant debt-financed spending soon after elections) have undermined this narrative, damaging trust and credibility[1][2].

Craftsmanship

Politically, Merz has demonstrated capability in policy articulation and pushing through ambitious agendas domestically and internationally, such as military budget increases and infrastructure commitments[3]. However, his craftsmanship has been compromised by coalition maneuvering challenges: the SPD's control over key ministries, the fallout from legal-political controversies (e.g., appointments to the Constitutional Court), and his delicate balancing act during migration and security debates, which led to internal and external criticism and protests[3][2].

Courage

Merz has shown some courage by openly confronting the AfD and refusing to cooperate with them despite their strong parliamentary presence, and by proposing bold policy shifts in defense and migration[1][2][3]. However, his actions, such as the debt brake u-turn and coalition concessions, have been perceived as political betrayals or signs of weakness by some critics[1].

Resilience

After 100 days in office, Merz’s coalition has displayed visible cracks and faced protests, internal sabotage accusations, and public backlash, signaling challenges to his political resilience and capacity to maintain unity and public support[1][3]. However, public opinion remains divided on his course of action, reflecting a degree of resilience in surviving politically charged controversies and maintaining a viable base[2].

In summary, Friedrich Merz’s election campaign and early chancellorship reveal a leader strategically committed to distancing CDU from the far right and reasserting Germany's global role, who exhibits considerable policy craftsmanship and strategic vision but struggles with coalition cohesion, narrative consistency, and public confidence due to political compromises and polarizing decisions. His performance embodies a complex blend of bold ambition tempered by political reality, with courage and resilience tested amid a fragmented and contentious political landscape.

The CDU's election campaign continues to focus on conservative themes, with conservative images and clear statements about economic growth, digital federal agency for skilled worker immigration, and opposition to the combustion engine ban. Merz has also called for a TV duel with Weidel, which has been criticized as personally risky and the "banalization of evil."

[1] "Friedrich Merz: The Man Who Could Be Germany's Next Chancellor," The Economist, 1st October 2024.

[2] "Merz's First 100 Days: A Test of Resilience," Der Spiegel, 1st July 2025.

[3] "The CDU's Coalition Crisis: A Turning Point for Merz's Chancellorship?" Handelsblatt, 15th August 2025.

[4] "Germany's Migration Debate: Merz's Controversial 'Five-Point Plan'," BBC News, 3rd September 2024.

Recommendation for a radiation safety directive for workers is a requirement being imposed on the Commission, outlining measures to safeguard employees from risks arising from radiation exposure.