German Chancellor Merz faces party rebellion and leadership test

In late July 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing a critical test of his leadership within his own party. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group is preparing to vote on its leadership, and Merz is expected to face significant discontent from lawmakers. Reports indicate that Merz has lost his "protective shield" within the party, and there is open discussion about the post-Merz era, with some suggesting he should run the party more like a business.