Ankara: July 2026 marks a significant turning point since Friedrich Merz was elected German chancellor in May 2025. The majority of Germans, including CDU/CSU voters, express dissatisfaction with the government's performance. According to Anadolu Agency, various polling organizations indicate that the far-right AfD has surged ahead by up to 8% at both federal and state levels. The coalition has already experienced moments of weakness, and there is a risk that the potential election of an AfD politician in Saxony-Anhalt in September 2026 could trigger a political earthquake later this summer.
Against this backdrop, Merz began by projecting his government's capacity to act, demonstrating self-confidence in his policy statement to the German Bundestag on July 9, 2026, under the heading "The Centre Delivers". The chancellor, buoyed by the success of the NATO summit in Ankara, announced the purchase of Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,500 kilometers, filling a strategic gap in Germany's defense. He also announced a contract awarded to ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the purchase of 12 submarines by Canada as a successful outcome of the NATO summit.
Merz emphasized that the Federal Government had secured Bundestag and Bundesrat approval for all planned projects, including the Future Investment Act, which aims to streamline infrastructure projects, and a comprehensive reform of statutory health insurance. During this time, he praised Health Minister Nina Warken, who has since succeeded Thorsten Frei as head of the Federal Chancellery, with Carsten Linnemann filling her previous ministerial position. These changes follow the resignation of CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn, who stepped down under pressure from Merz due to public scrutiny regarding his personal life.
Merz has highlighted plans to reform the pension system and reverse the burden of proof for payment transactions as key future tasks. He also cited the reduction of bureaucracy as a reform project close to his heart, referring to the second meeting of a "deregulation Cabinet" focused on easing administrative constraints. Despite these efforts, high labor costs remain an unresolved issue.
The Federal Press Conference highlighted the CDU/SPD coalition's strengths, including Merz's rhetorical skills and self-confidence, but also noted friction within the coalition. Merz showed signs of self-criticism, acknowledging unfinished projects and overdue reforms. He emphasized the importance of preserving the coalition over radical reforms.
Merz remains unfazed by criticism and presents himself as continuously improving. However, the government's inability to respond to the AfD's rise poses a significant challenge, as the coalition struggles to shift the political agenda away from topics set by the AfD. Despite speculation, Merz will remain in office for the entire parliamentary term.
Merz's international actions are beneficial for Germany, yet they do not appear sufficient for a fundamental turnaround. Recent personnel decisions demonstrate Merz's ability to act and his political instinct. By appointing Thorsten Frei and Nina Warken to key positions, Merz strengthens his position within the government, ensuring loyalty and support.