The SPD’s strategic pivot is likely to deepen Merz’s myriad challenges as questions mount over his ability to lead Germany’s relatively weak coalition government.
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The SPD’s strategic pivot is likely to deepen Merz’s myriad challenges as questions mount over his ability to lead Germany’s relatively weak coalition government.
From left: Markus Söder, Friedrich Merz, Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil. They're pictured in Berlin after coalition consultations on July 2, 2026. | Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images
September 9, 2026
4:00 am CET
As the AfD attacks the German chancellor on multiple tactical fronts, his vague response is a pledge to be more compassionate…
Jens Spahn’s departure initially looked like a setback, but it allows Merz to get rid of a political rival and stabilize his…
The far-right AfD is set to perform well in elections in September in its political heartland in the eastern part of the country.
The state election result could lead to a debate over the future of the firewall that has kept the Alternative for Germany out of…
An outright win for the far right in Saxony-Anhalt will hurt Merz. But things will also be messy if his party has to form…
The AfD’s growing popularity is putting the chancellor in a historically weak position even as he pursues sweeping reforms.
