German Chancellor Merz can remain in office for the time being. After a series of defeats, his position was in question, but after several party meetings, Merz has gained broad support from the party. However, party members give him a clear warning: improvements are needed.
The CDU suffered significant losses this month in state elections in the eastern part of the country. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the result last Sunday was even historically poor, causing the CDU, traditionally the 'big people's party', to not even pass the electoral threshold. The loss is partly explained by dissatisfaction with Merz.
In political Berlin, rumors buzzed that Merz would be forced to resign by his party, but open opposition remained limited in recent days. Calls for departure came from lower-ranked politicians, such as the former party secretary-general. Party prominent figures, however, rallied behind Merz.
Behind the scenes, criticism was heard, German media report. For example, the CDU state premier of Hesse reportedly accused Merz of "empathy-less language from the 1990s," according to Stern. Former parliamentary leader Brinkhaus accused Merz of "not holding the country together" and demanded changes from the chancellor, reports among others Spiegel. This attack was reportedly received with applause in the parliamentary group.
Promises
Merz realized how precarious the situation was and therefore acted quickly in recent days. By stepping to the press just minutes after the disastrous exit poll on Sunday, he left little room for critics. In his speech, he defended his reform plans, which should ultimately lead to economic growth.
The problem is that few voters have confidence in those reforms. Merz has promised a lot during his chancellorship but has hardly fulfilled many promises. Reforms in the areas of pensions and healthcare also face much resistance.
A relief for Merz: the economy, which has stagnated for years, finally seems to be picking up. Several think tanks have raised their forecasts this week. The OECD expects growth of 1.1 percent this year, even above the average in the eurozone. The growth is partly due to substantial investments in defense.
Merz wants – and must, according to his parliamentary group – improve his communication. He promises to better explain his reforms and better understand voters' emotions. The unity of the coalition must also be better conveyed.
Last week, this went wrong again. In the fight against high gasoline prices, Merz announced measures without a concrete plan. The coalition parties came up with different ideas, leading to yet another open conflict. Now there is a compromise, but it still needs to be worked out.
On Monday, Merz unexpectedly called for an adjustment of the health insurance system. Germany has two systems, statutory and private insurance, which is mainly used by higher incomes. According to Merz, this leads to a 'justice problem.' Coalition partner SPD agrees, but his own CDU rejects adjustments. Shortly thereafter, a spokesperson for Merz had to retract his words.
No alternative
Dissatisfaction with Merz in the party remains, but an alternative does not seem available. Names mentioned as successors, such as state premiers Hendrik Wüst and Markus Söder, are currently staying out. There is also grumbling about cooperation with the SPD, but the same applies: there is no alternative in the current Bundestag.
Therefore, CDU members now call in unison for unity so that the planned reforms can finally be implemented. "If we let ourselves be played apart, not only the government will fail, but also the country," said vice parliamentary group leader Mathias Middelberg.
There is urgency because in Germany the next election campaign is never far away. In 2027, five state elections are again scheduled, starting in the most populous state North Rhine-Westphalia in April. The CDU is traditionally strong there and the far-right AfD relatively weak. The government wants to keep it that way.
Before then, Merz must have reversed the party's downward spiral. He is still getting a chance from his party now, but it may well be the last one.