The leader of the Green Party’s parliamentary group, Katharina Dröge, delivered a sharp critique of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s (CDU) government performance following his recent summer press conference. Dröge questioned Chancellor Merz’s ability to lead a functional coalition, stating that his first 70 days in office have resulted in “a devastating balance” of uncertainty and ambiguity. She expressed concern over his decision to allow this state of affairs to persist throughout the summer months without resolution.
Dröge highlighted recent parliamentary proceedings where the CDU failed to secure the necessary majority on multiple occasions. This included an initial unsuccessful vote for Chancellor Merz himself and a subsequent refusal by parliamentarians to support the candidate proposed by CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn for a judicial appointment.
According to Dröge, these leadership shortcomings are contributing to a precarious level of instability within the governing coalition, characterizing the CDU as a “risk factor” within the current federal government.
Beyond matters of parliamentary procedure, Dröge’s criticisms extended to policy. She asserted that the coalition, under Merz’s leadership, is failing to deliver on what is “possible and necessary”. Dröge argued that the government possesses the means to implement beneficial policies such as increased investment, measures to improve affordability and strengthened climate protection. She alleges that, instead, the government is resorting to financial maneuvering rather than full investment in crucial infrastructure and that promised tax relief for families regarding electricity consumption will not materialize.
Dröge singled out climate protection as an area of particularly alarming regression. She accused the CDU and SPD of planning for setbacks across all sectors and described the government’s approach as indicative of a “declaration of bankruptcy”. Importantly, she noted the absence of the term “climate protection” in Chancellor Merz’s recent press conference.