Friedrich Merts: The First Chancellor Not Elected in the First Round – ‘He Must Reflect on Why He Wasn’t Supported’

A new trend seems to be emerging in government transition processes, both globally and within European states. Both the new chancellor and his predecessor, Olaf Scholz, have repeatedly referred to the foundations and quality of Germany’s democracy as it has been highlighted recently. However, just hours earlier, despite the fact that his election was not practically at risk, everyone—both inside and outside Germany—understood the severity of the blow dealt to the new government, especially its leader. The ‘resistance’ displayed by members of the governing coalition may have surprised those expecting a typical process and a celebratory start to Friedrich Merts’ tenure as chancellor after nearly 20 years of anticipation, but in hindsight, it should be considered almost logical. It is known that the new chancellor is not popular as a person and was seen by his own party almost as a ‘necessary evil.’ His retreat from one of the fundamental principles of the Christian Democrats (CDU) regarding debt brakes and the unavoidable compromises with the Social Democrats (SPD) in forming the government were not appreciated by a large part of the party’s members and voters. The choice of Friedrich Merts to entrust key ministries to market-oriented figures was welcomed by the business world but not by the party’s grassroots or the MPs who remained outside the government. Perhaps the party leadership should have realized earlier that the party line was not strong enough to soothe tensions. Meanwhile, SPD had fewer reasons to undermine cooperation through leaks, although the eagerness of its leader Lars Klingbeil to ‘restore’ himself as opposition leader and finance minister, as if the SPD hadn’t suffered a historic defeat under his leadership, displeased many allies. This unprecedented event in German history leaves a heavy burden on the new chancellor and raises doubts about the stability of the coalition. Commentators agree that the new government begins its term with a serious setback.