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Friedrich Merz’s stumbling start

Friedrich Merz became Germany's chancellor in May 2025 after a close parliamentary vote that initially blocked his confirmation.
Merz's rise followed the Christian Democrats' February election victory amid hopes for a shift in Germany's cautious defence and fiscal policies.
He immediately sought to strengthen European defence cooperation, endorsing joint military procurement and boosting ties with France, while opposing common European debt for defence spending.
Merz enacted a €1 trillion spending package in March to support defence and infrastructure, but maintained fiscal restraint and left many defence and policy details ambiguous.
His cautious tone and internal coalition dissent signal challenges ahead, with uncertainty over his ability to lead amid Germany’s economic struggles and fractious politics.

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In Defence of Marxism

Left

Germany: Merz embarrassed – Die Linke rushes to the rescue

What an embarrassment for Fritze Merz! For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic, an incoming German Chancellor has failed to be elected by the Bundestag, despite having signed a coalition agreement to gain a majority. This is embarrassing for Merz and an omen for his crisis-ridden government.

4 days ago

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EURACTIV

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BizToc

Lean Left

Germany’s Merz embraces ambiguity on EU defence

Friedrich Merz's election victory raised expectations of a German U-turn on defence. His first week in office has left people wondering what he'll deliver.

5 days ago·Brussels, Belgium

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Newsroom

Lean Right

New German chancellor’s first week: from near-defeat to statecraft

Comment: Unable to secure immediate loyalty and popularity at home, Merz has sought to build authority abroad The post New German chancellor’s first week: from near-defeat to statecraft appeared first on Newsroom.

5 days ago·Auckland, New Zealand

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Jacobin

Far Left

Germany’s New Chancellor Is a Man Without Qualities

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s new chancellor, is the worst possible man for the job. Throughout his career, he has held a dogged commitment to a neoliberal ideology that has destroyed Europe’s social fabric.

6 days ago

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EADaily

Lean Right

"Worse than failed predecessors": Merz's government is breaking anti-records: EADaily

EADaily, May 11th, 2025. The level of trust in German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the new government is lower than in the "traffic light" coalition of Olaf Scholz at the start of its work, the Bild tabloid writes with reference to the results of a survey by the INZA institute.

7 days ago

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