European Union: "What is going on in Germany?" Merz's weakness becoming a European problem
After the CDU's election defeats, EU partners are doubting Germany's leadership abilities. The Chancellor's weakness is coming at a bad time: far-reaching decisions are pending in Brussels.
Berlin, Brussels, Paris. Friedrich Merz (CDU) expressed widespread doubts and concerns to journalists in Berlin on Monday, asking "What is actually going on in Germany?" from investors and foreign politicians. The political poles are strengthening while the CDU suffers election defeat after defeat. Chancellor Merz has been in defense mode for weeks.
The situation is causing concern across Europe, as a weakened Chancellor weakens the Federal Republic, which is the largest and economically strongest member of the European Union (EU). This is happening at a time when the EU is already facing significant pressure on the security and economic front. Several major EU countries will hold elections in the coming year, including Poland, Spain, Greece, and France.
The outcomes could have far-reaching consequences. Right-wing populists are leading the polls in France, and other politicians and diplomats are questioning whether Germany can still be relied upon, particularly with the success of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Will the Federal Republic remain firmly within the Western alliance?
Will it continue to support Ukraine, and would it be prepared to defend its allies against Russia in a worst-case scenario?
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
