Friedrich Merz faced significant struggles as he assumed the chancellorship, which began with a chaotic voting process. Although his election was eventually confirmed, it was shadowed by the perception that his government was unwanted. This has led to consistent mockery and criticism from various political factions and media outlets. Merz is attempting to balance a modernizing conservative agenda while facing accusations of weakness on the left and closeness to the far right. His character is often seen as a target for criticism, compounding the structural challenges faced by his administration.
The passing of the 100-day milestone for any world leader usually denotes the end of their honeymoon period. Friedrich Merz has not been able to enjoy even a single day of grace.
On 6 May, as Angela Merkel watched from the visitors' balcony, the Bundestag voted and declined to approve its new leader. For a few hours, chaos ensued, until the second round of voting saw his chancellorship approved.
This is the government that nobody wanted—not least its protagonists. This is the verdict of most of the media and political class, the so-called Berlin bubble.
Merz is trying to create a form of mainstream conservatism that is at once modernising and more culturally conservative. He is simultaneously accused of conceding too much to the left and being in bed with the far right.
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