Kommentar: Merz sagt, was die Wenigsten hören wollen
Nach sieben Jahren wirtschaftlichen Stillstands gibt es wenig zu verteilen. Das erklärt der Kanzler den Bürgern. Es wirkt kühl und ist unbequem, könnte am Ende aber seine Stärke sein.
Friedrich Merz, a member of the CDU, demonstrated his composure during a segment on RTL's Pinar Atalay Mut show. Less than a week before a crucial state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the chancellor faced queries from four citizens. Merz was confident that it would not be a feel-good event like the meticulously coordinated cabinet meeting at Schloss Neuhardenberg.
There was ample criticism. An obstetrician complained, "We know your bank balance, Mr. Merz," regarding cuts to the healthcare system. A parish priest brought up the city debate from the archives, while an entrepreneur rallied against Merz's wall of defense once again. However, the old Friedrich Merz no longer exists. The reason is simple: after seven years of economic stagnation, there is little left to distribute.
Merz must take away from many to keep the business running. This leads to poor mood, which can also be seen in the weak poll numbers of his personal approval ratings. It then becomes clear whether a more empathetic Merz would have fared better in such a round. It is likely that he would not have, even though it would certainly help him.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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