Pressure Grows on German Chancellor Merz Within His Coalition

In Germany in September 2026, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing mounting criticism from within his own coalition. Several reports describe intense discussion and speculation about his chancellorship, with one headline stating that "no elections can be won with this chancellor." Critics say pressure on the CDU and SPD has grown so much that the parties are nervous even about local elections.

Bavarian leader Markus Söder and Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer have publicly warned against letting the federal government fail and said they want to keep Merz as chancellor. At the same time, the CDU and the Greens have criticized SPD politician Martin Schwe sig's campaign against the AfD. The debate over Merz's position continues to dominate German political coverage.