Chancellor Friedrich Merz took power vowing to get Germany back on its feet politically after a turbulent period, boost the country's international standing and kickstart a moribund economy. But after a year in office, his coalition is beset by infighting, Europe's top economy is still weak, and some commentators are already predicting he will not see out a full term.
Clashes between his CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD have escalated, evoking memories of the fractious three-party coalition under Merz's predecessor, Olaf Scholz, which collapsed in 2024. Merz often adds to his own problems, critics contend, pointing to his sometimes forthright remarks and reportedly hot temper. German industry leaders, who had hoped that Merz, a former business executive, could make real progress on boosting the stagnant economy, are also losing patience.
As public discontent grows, the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining in popularity, overtaking his party in recent polls.
Germany's black-red governing coalition has drawn a mixed assessment of its first year in office while simultaneously reaffirming its commitment to jointly pursue further reforms. What has been accomplished so far "simply isn't enough," said Union Parliamentary Manager Steffen Bilger in Berlin.
The SPD leadership complained about too much discord within the coalition, yet they too pledged their commitment to continuing the alliance. The opposition, however, delivered a devastating assessment after one year of black-red government.
On Wednesday, the election of Friedrich Merz (CDU) as Federal Chancellor marks its first anniversary. The rocky start—the election succeeded only on the second attempt, was followed by promises to stimulate the economy and tackle major reforms, particularly in healthcare and pensions. One year later, the coalition partners are struggling with low approval ratings and a strengthening far-right. The challenges remain enormous.
"My assessment is somewhat divided," Bilger said on Tuesday. He shares the expectation that more must happen, particularly that the economy must finally gain momentum. The CDU politician also shares, by his own account, Merz's assessment that there is growing dissatisfaction within the Union about the coalition with the SPD. Despite some already implemented projects, more reforms must come this year.
Union Parliamentary Group Leader Jens Spahn lamented that many successes, especially in the weeks since Easter, have "been drowned out by too much public quarreling and bickering." 141 laws in one year show that the government can not only debate but also decide. "Of course" there is a shared interest in the coalition to tangibly improve the country and people's daily lives, Spahn said.
CSU Regional Group Leader Alexander Hoffmann reaffirmed that the coalition has thus far "successfully brought to a solution" every problem it has tackled. He cited among other things the initiation of a migration policy shift, the abolition of citizen's benefits, and the introduction of new military service.
The SPD was also troubled by too much "quarreling" and "overheated debates" in recent weeks. This has "damaged" the government, said SPD Leader Lars Klingbeil. While disagreement is part of the process, added SPD Parliamentary Group Leader Matthias Miersch, since the three parties in the coalition have very different views on some issues. "However, it must be conducted in such a way that it is fact-oriented and citizens afterwards have the feeling that something good has come out of it."
SPD Chairwoman Bärbel Bas acknowledged a loss of trust in the government. The coalition must now provide relief for citizens, for affordable living and secure jobs. However, the SPD leadership clearly committed to continuing work in the government. Klingbeil indirectly rejected accusations from the Union that the SPD is too unwilling to compromise and is blocking reforms.
The opposition predictably did not hold back criticism of the governing coalition: Instead of restoring state finances, Merz is ruining them "to the brink of state bankruptcy," said AfD Parliamentary Group Leader Alice Weidel. Ever-increasing debt is being used primarily to "plug budget holes and make consumption expenditures."
The Greens primarily criticized Merz's communication style. "When Friedrich Merz appears before a camera, one must keep their fingers crossed for the coalition that he doesn't say something again that is ill-considered, that triggers a crisis, that insults someone, or that brings the coalition into difficulty," said Parliamentary Group Leader Katharina Dröge.
Furthermore, the government is clinging to a "fossil conviction" instead of promoting renewables in the face of the "world's greatest crisis of fossil energies." Left Party Parliamentary Group Leader Sören Pellmann was bothered that the past year was primarily characterized by disputes, discontent, discord, and attacks on the welfare state. "For a year, the rich and super-rich in particular have been spared more than has been the case in previous government years."
The two environmental organizations BUND and WWF decried a setback in climate and nature conservation policy after one year of Merz's government. They cited among other things the increase in commuter tax deductions, missed climate targets, and partial misappropriation of the Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality special fund.
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