Germany's Political Wobbles: Can Merz Steer the Ship?

Chancellor Merz Faces Uphill Battle

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is struggling to push through his ambitious plans for pensions and military service, raising concerns about potential political chaos akin to France's.

Fragile Coalition and Embarrassing Loss

Merz's coalition with the Social Democrats promised stability but has proven fragile. A rare and embarrassing first-round loss in his chancellor election highlights the deep-seated issues.

Internal Dissension and Secret Ballots

Merz's team is unhappy with the compromises, making secret ballots risky. The chancellor has been more focused on foreign affairs, earning the nickname "Foreign Chancellor."

Economic Woes and Military Struggles

Germany's economy is shrinking for the third year in a row, and the U.S. is an unreliable ally. Military upgrades are contentious, causing internal government fights.

Rise of the Far-Right and Declining Popularity

The far-right AfD is gaining support as both conservatives and Social Democrats lose ground. Young conservatives threaten to block the pension bill, citing inadequate solutions.

Military Service Debacle

The defence minister's plan to reinstate military service is causing turmoil. The coalition can't agree on implementation, and a proposed "lottery" system was rejected.

Plummeting Approval Ratings

Merz's approval ratings are at an all-time low. Critics argue he neglects domestic issues, despite his foreign policy successes.