Berlin: „Wir haben einen Aufstand“ – Wie die Macht des Kanzler erodiert

The aftermath of the Saxon-Anhalt election threatens to erase the reformist spirit of the federal government, economists warn of drastic consequences for Germany. It is the chancellor who now matters. But the rise of the AfD, discontent within the party and from the coalition partner, and fiscal concerns limit his capacity for action.

Can Friedrich Merz withstand the pressure? Gabriel Felbermayr, an economist, warns the federal government against falling into a shock freeze. "Simply not making reforms also doesn't shrink populists," Felbermayr explains in an interview. Friedrich Merz welcomes his "fan club" of 30 parliamentary circle members of the CDU/CSU group at the chancellor's office on Wednesday evening, just after 7 PM.

They gathered for a meal of lingonberry soup, beef, vegetarian dishes, and ice cream to discuss the state of the coalition and planned reforms. The PKM has always been the power base of the chancellor, who appointed Merz to his position. However, in the face of the AfD's landslide victory in Saxon-Anhalt and the halving of the CDU there, even the most loyal Merz supporters are wobbling.

PKM chief Christian von Stetten summoned his team together at lunchtime to discuss the issues. The agenda focuses on rising debt, returning to fiscal discipline, and the tax reform: Should the Union accept it to prevent other major social reforms from being jeopardized, or demand more reliefs to boost public mood? Oh yes, the menu includes meat, vegetarian, or vegan options, and the kitchen must be aware of any intolerances for the dinner at the chancellor's office.