Friedrich Merz’s recent coalition deal in Germany has sparked a firestorm of debate. Promising a bold new direction during his election campaign, Merz’s subsequent alliance with the SPD has left many feeling disappointed, questioning whether his promises were mere campaign rhetoric. Critics like Ralf Neukirch of Der Spiegel point to a lack of significant changes in areas such as border control, economic reform, and migration policy, labeling the coalition a ‘coalition of the timid’ in the face of significant global challenges.
However, others argue that the coalition agreement, while not revolutionary, contains some important wins. Jan Frédéric Willems of Tagesschau highlights Merz’s pre-coalition move to release Germany’s debt brake, paving the way for substantial investment in defense and infrastructure. This, coupled with a more measured policy approach, could yield significant results. Some suggest that this pragmatic approach is precisely what voters desire in uncertain times, offering a sense of stability amidst global chaos.
The contrast with Olaf Scholz’s previous coalition is striking. Thomas Sigmund of Handelsblatt points to the fanfare surrounding Scholz’s coalition compared to the subdued announcement of Merz’s agreement. This quieter approach might be seen as a welcome shift after the perceived failures of Scholz’s more ambitious, yet ultimately less effective, coalition. Even supporters acknowledge the agreement is far from a complete victory for Merz’s centre-right CDU/CSU. Volksstimme notes positive elements like corporate tax reduction and changes to citizenship requirements, but these are seen as insufficient by critics like Henry Donovan of The Spectator, who describes the agreement as largely dominated by SPD policies.
The lack of substantial immigration reform is a particularly contentious point. The coalition’s promise to turn back asylum seekers at the border hinges on the unlikely cooperation of other countries, making the commitment largely symbolic. This perceived failure, combined with Merz’s substantial spending plans, has led some to view the deal as a betrayal of centre-right voters, a gift to the rising AfD party. The honeymoon period for Merz appears to be over, with approval ratings plummeting since the election. The international community, particularly given Germany’s economic and military standing, needs Merz to succeed, but the lack of experience in handling international crises amongst the coalition partners raises serious concerns. The situation is precarious, with Merz’s coalition acting as a buffer between the AfD and power, highlighting the magnitude of the challenges ahead.
