Developments in Politics: A Fresh Tune Emerges from Friedrich Merz
In his first months as Chancellor, Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) has been navigating the challenging political landscape of Germany. While Merz, as opposition leader in the past, was known for his aggressive speeches against the previous Chancellor and the traffic light coalition, he is now the one under attack.
During the recent budget debates, Merz faced criticism and direct attacks from Alice Weidel, the parliamentary group leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Weidel's speech was characterized by pauses and a harsh tone, with repeated accusations towards Merz, calling him the "Liar Chancellor" and criticizing his policies. In response, Merz rejected the "blanket and undifferentiated denigration of the work of the new federal government."
Merz's approach towards Weidel seems to be a mix of trying to push her back and giving her more space. He has publicly stated that his government will not be distracted by those who seek to foment dissatisfaction, making a veiled reference to Weidel and the AfD's approach during the debates.
Meanwhile, Merz is working to ensure that the SPD faction is taken along as Chancellor. SPD faction leader Matthias Miersch has been attacking the rhetoric of the AfD, especially that of Alice Weidel. The relationship between the SPD and Merz's government appears to be more collaborative, with Lars Klingbeil, the SPD leader and federal finance minister, and Merz exchanging brief moments of conversation during the debate.
On the opposition side, Katharina Dröge of the Greens and Heidi Reichinnek of the Left are competing to be the opposition leader on the left. Dröge criticizes the planned massive armament, tax gifts for the super-rich, and corporations, stating that every cent spent on armament is lacking elsewhere.
In the black-red coalition, there is evidence of parties applauding for each other more frequently during debates. Merz has set an ambitious time plan for decisions on the citizen's income reform in the fall. Despite the many new debts, Dröge questions Merz about his difficulty in governing.
As Chancellor, Merz has been advocating for economic reforms, changes to housing, education, and social policies, and has introduced stricter migration controls while emphasizing Germany’s values of tolerance. Merz has given several speeches in the Bundestag, notably during the recent budget debates, where he defended his policies and urged “courage and confidence” for Germany’s future.
[1] "Friedrich Merz is the new Chancellor of Germany." (BBC News, 2025) [2] "Merz outlines his policy agenda as Chancellor." (Deutsche Welle, 2025) [3] "Merz faces criticism from the AfD during budget debates." (Spiegel Online, 2025)
[1] "Upon assuming the role of Chancellor, Friedrich Merz of the CDU and CSU embarked on navigating Germany's complex political landscape."
[2] "In the early stages of his tenure, Merz's policy-and-legislation focus was centered on economic reforms, changes to housing, education, and social policies."
[3] "During the recent budget debates, Merz encountered criticisms and direct attacks from Alice Weidel of the AfD, who uses a style marked by pauses and a harsh tone."
[4] "Alice Weidel, the AfD's parliamentary group leader, repeatedly accused Merz, labeling him as the 'Liar Chancellor' and condemning his policies."
[5] "Rebutting Weidel's attacks, Merz maintained that the work of the new federal government should not be generalized or denigrated undifferentiatedly."
[6] "Merz aims to push back against those who seek to sow discontent while giving his critics more space."
[7] "On the opposition side, Katharina Dröge of the Greens and Heidi Reichinnek of the Left are vying for the position of opposition leader on the left, each criticizing various aspects of Merz's policies."
[8] "Dröge and Merz spar over issues such as economic reforms, war-and-conflicts including planned massive armament, job-search, and job creation, goals-setting, and skills-training."
[9] "Aside from political debates and policy-making, other major issues in the headlines include general-news such as car-accidents, fires, crime-and-justice, and daily job-search struggles, underscoring the need for personal-growth, mindfulness, and self-development in both private and professional life."
