Germany’s Merz faces home‑room discord after a hectic first 100 days

Merz: The Chancellor Who Seized Germany’s Dream

August 2025 – In a whirlwind of policy shifts, Friedrich Merz, now 69, has planted his flag over Europe’s leading economy. The former policy hawk has already charted a new course in security, the economy, and migration, but cracks in his partnership threaten to widen.

Election Night: A “Rambo Zambo” Promise

On February’s voting day, Merz celebrated his triumph with a phrase that could evoke either a “wild ride” or “chaotic mayhem.”

Rapid Reforms: Angles of Change

• Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) helmed a dramatic loosening of debt rules, unlocking billions for Germany’s armed forces and dilapidated infrastructure.
• He vowed to build “Europe’s largest conventional army” while pledging steadfast support for Ukraine, standing a line that earned him Donald Trump’s admiration during a June White House meeting.
• When Israel bombed Iranian targets, Merz praised its “dirty work,” but last week he froze arms exports amid Israel’s Gaza campaign.

The Migration Crackdown

Inside Germany, Merz launched a hardline stance on irregular migration, a sharp step away from the centrist path his long‑time rival Angela Merkel set. He said he must address voter concerns about immigration to stave off the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which won a record 20 % in the February election.

Coalition Tensions: “Foreign Chancellor” vs. SPD Allies

Merz’s focus on global events earned him the label “foreign chancellor.” Meanwhile, SPD allies sometimes feel sidelined. Many consider his right‑wing positions hard to swallow, especially after the SPD’s shattered election outcome of 16 %.

Popularity: The Drop in Approval

German voters still have not taken a liking to Merz. His personal approval rating slipped 10 points to just 32 % in the latest ARD poll.

Judge Row & Early Announcement: A Troubled Start

Merz’s inauguration on May 6 turned tense when rebel MPs opposed him in the first round of the secret ballot. He was confirmed in the second round, but the incident highlighted simmering resentment within the coalition.

Controversies & Collegial Strains

• Merz dismissed plans to hoist an LGBTQ rainbow flag on the parliament building, claiming the Reichstag was “not a circus tent.”
• The biggest crisis involved the nomination of three new judges to Germany’s highest court. Right‑wing media attacked SPD nominee Frauke Brosius‑Gersdorf, after which the CDU/CSU withdrew support and postponed the vote.
• Conflicts also arose over social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, with the CSU demanding cuts that the SPD opposed.

Looking Ahead: What Merz Must Do

Co‑chancellor Lars Klingbeil warned the conservatives to tone down provocations, noting that “we already have far too many arguments in this government.” The coalition’s stability hinges on keeping disputes from alienating voters and feeding the AfD’s narrative.

While most politicians now enjoy summer holidays, unresolved issues linger. Wolfgang Schroeder of Kassel University observed that Merz’s “big‑picture” mindset might overlook the small details that are currently sowing discord. To steer Germany forward, the Chancellor will need to reconcile these intricacies with the broader agenda.