Kommentar: Ohne einen Herbst der Reformen muss Merz eine Revolte fürchten
Die Sommerpause hat dem Kanzler keine Entlastung gebracht. In der Union herrscht Eigenmächtigkeit, Reformen stehen wieder zur Disposition. Der Herbst wird zum Härtetest für Friedrich Merz.
Friedrich Merz faces potential revolt if no reforms emerge before autumn, warns the source. In his absence, the chancellor receives unfavorable news and his approval ratings have dropped further during the summer break. The ZDF-Politbarometer shows a new record low of -1.9 for Merz personally. An overwhelming 80% of respondents, including a majority of CDU supporters, believe the CDU can no longer fully support its party leader.
Authoritative and popular figures in politics are like pipes that communicate status. Merz, unpopular as both chancellor and party leader, brings more burdens than assistance to election campaigns and will eventually face challenges from his own people. A leader unable to unite the team risks losing credibility among voters. Merz faces a negative spiral and his ability to break free will be tested this autumn.
The chancellor is set to convene a cabinet meeting next week, where he will again point to reforms intended to revitalize Germany's economic growth. The following day, the Union and SPD faction chiefs, Thorsten Frei and Mathias Miersch, will need to quickly establish a reliable working relationship to prevent mutual mistrust from escalating.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
