Dissatisfaction with Government in Germany Grows: Merz Responds

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that he is aware of the citizens' dissatisfaction with his government and intends to prepare the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) for upcoming reforms in the coming months.

In response to criticism, Merz emphasized that it is natural in a democratic society for not all citizens to be satisfied with the actions of the government at the same time. He stated that in his upcoming speech, he would present the direction of the party's development, noting that while achievements have been recorded, there are still many challenges ahead in internal, external, economic, and social sectors.

Additionally, Merz plans to run for the leadership position of the party again. It is expected that former German Chancellor Angela Merkel will also participate in the event. Previously, in 2022, Merz was elected as the party leader, receiving over 94 percent support, and was confirmed with nearly 95 percent in a subsequent vote. In 2024, he garnered approximately 89.8 percent of the vote.

According to a poll conducted by the INSA sociological institute commissioned by the Bild newspaper, around 70 percent of Germany's residents are dissatisfied with the federal government and the chancellor's performance. Among those surveyed, 22 percent believe that Merz is performing his duties better than his predecessor Olaf Scholz, while 35 percent hold the opposite view. Merz has also announced that he plans to run again for chancellor in the 2029 parliamentary elections on behalf of the CDU/CSU coalition.