Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz is garnering support for a government change in Berlin next year, criticizing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s administration as frail. Merz indicated minimal concern for the current coalition’s actions during a strategy session near Berlin for the CDU and its Bavarian partner.
A recent Infratest Dimap poll shows Scholz’s government approval at a record low of 16%, while the CDU/CSU bloc stands strong at 33%. Scholz’s diminished approval follows defeats in regional elections, where right and left populists surged, and looming issues like potential Volkswagen plant closures and union strikes.
Despite the coalition’s struggles, Merz’s bloc must avoid intra-party conflicts over their leadership for the upcoming federal election on September 28, 2025. Merz aims for a prompt decision, noting that summer, which ends on September 21, is the target period for finalizing the leadership. His main competitor is Markus Soeder, Bavaria’s state premier, who implied readiness to lead the country, though this has stirred memories of his rivalry with Armin Laschet before the 2021 election, which the CDU lost, ushering in Scholz’s coalition.
Polls show Soeder, 57, is preferred over Merz, 68, among CDU-CSU supporters by a margin of 57% to 48%. Discussions between Merz and Soeder are ongoing, aiming to solidify the party’s strategy for reclaiming power.
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Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/scholzs-opponents-seek-quick-decision-on-2025-german-challenger-11725560219960.html
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