Bundesregierung: Warken verteidigt Merz - „Luft nach oben bei Umfragewerten“

Bundesregierung spokesperson Nina Warken (CDU) dismissed criticism of Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the federal government, acknowledging the need for improvement. Speaking on ZDF's "Morgenmagazin", Warken stated that there is always room for improvement in public opinion polls, but this does not mean that the chancellor is uninformed or unproductive. "Trust is also important, and now action must be taken."

According to the current ZDF "Politbarometer" survey, Merz scored a personal low of -1.9 out of -5 to +5 on the question "What do you think of him?" This reflects a personal record low for the chancellor. The survey also indicated significant doubts about Merz's support within his own party. Eighty percent of respondents, including 67% of CDU members, believe the CDU does not fully back their party leader.

Warken appealed for patience, emphasizing that the necessary reforms won't come on their own. "You need to take people with you, you need to communicate well, and you must explain what's happening," she said. "Trust is also important, and now action must be taken."

Wirtschaftsvertreter (business representatives) were invited to a cabinet consultation meeting the following Tuesday and Wednesday at Schloss Neuhardenberg in Brandenburg. This was seen as more than just a sign of strength or a "last-ditch effort." Warken emphasized that inviting external economic experts would be useful, not a sign of weakness.

"We will talk with the Siemens CEO, a young startup entrepreneur, and the president of the crafts federation about the situation of the German economy, the framework conditions, and the expectations from the federal government," she explained.

Warken confirmed that major reform packages on care and pensions are scheduled for autumn. "These are already partly underway," she noted, acknowledging the hardships they would impose on citizens. She pointed out that while these reforms may be unpopular, they are necessary. "They have been initiated and now we must see them through."