Friedrich Merz on Wednesday projected confidence in his leadership amid growing political turbulence in Germany, saying the country was capable of charting a fresh path forward despite mounting challenges.
Speaking at a gathering of his Christian Democratic Union party, Merz said he remained fully committed to steering the country through a period of economic and political uncertainty alongside his government.
“Germany has the strength for a new beginning,” he said during the meeting, adding that he was determined to help deliver that transition.
His remarks came as speculation intensified in German political circles over his future, with reports emerging that some within the CDU were informally discussing the possibility of new leadership amid declining approval ratings.
Officials from the chancellery have strongly dismissed the reports, calling the speculation politically irresponsible and warning that such narratives only strengthen the far right.
While there is currently no formal move underway to replace Merz, the discussion has increasingly surfaced in sections of the German media. Several outlets, including Bild, reported this week that conversations around a possible leadership change were taking place among conservative figures within the party.
Any attempt to replace a sitting German chancellor would be highly complicated under the country’s parliamentary system. Since the chancellor must command majority support in the Bundestag, any successor would also require backing from coalition allies.
Merz has repeatedly insisted that his alliance with the Social Democratic Party of Germany remains the only workable route for maintaining political stability. He has also rejected the idea of governing as a minority administration, a scenario that could potentially force reliance on support from the far right.
The coalition government has been attempting to regain momentum through a broad reform agenda covering healthcare, taxation and pensions, with plans to push major changes before the summer. However, tensions between the CDU led bloc and the SPD have slowed progress, while economic pressures linked to the conflict involving Iran have added further strain.
Recent polling has added to concerns within the governing alliance. A Forsa survey published Tuesday showed the CDU bloc at 22 percent support, trailing the far right Alternative for Germany by five percentage points. Support for the SPD has meanwhile remained stagnant at 12 percent since March.
Addressing party members in Arnsberg, located in his home district in western Germany, Merz acknowledged the weight of the position during what he described as a period of deep transformation and instability.
