The relationship between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and opposition leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) has been strained and marked by a lack of trust throughout the three years of the SPD-led government, according to Merz. The CDU leader claimed that there was a initial basis of trust, but it diminished over time.
Merz stated that he never received a genuine and open description of issues from Chancellor Scholz. He added, “When Scholz spoke, another film was always running in his mind. You can do that, but it’s not a prerequisite for trust.”
Merz acknowledged that he does not know Scholz well enough to determine whether this is a political style or a personal trait. However, based on his interactions with Scholz, it appears to be a behavioral pattern.