The communication strategy of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is facing a harsh assessment from a leading rhetoric expert, raising serious questions about his leadership effectiveness and potential impact on the CDU’s political standing. Michael Ehlers, a renowned rhetoric coach, has described Merz’s public communication as “disastrous” citing a persistent tendency to revert to an oppositional stance even when in a position of authority.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Ehlers argued that Merz consistently falls back on the rhetorical patterns established during his time as an opposition leader, a habit exacerbated by moments of pressure. “The signals he has sent thus far are, in my view, disastrous” Ehlers stated. He concluded with a stark recommendation: “He should allow someone else to take the reins, someone who is capable.
Ehlers, who claims to have extensively analyzed Merz’s communication style, attributes the problem to a deep-seated “resistance to advice”. While acknowledging Merz’s intelligence and inherent understanding, he criticizes the politician’s penchant for creating significant “construction sites” with seemingly minor, ill-considered remarks.
The recent controversy following the climate conference in Belém serves as a prime example. According to Ehlers, Merz’s subsequent comments undermined the importance of the visit itself, diverting attention to his apparent difficulty in using language appropriately for the office he holds. “It’s not about a single misstep, but a pattern” Ehlers emphasized. “People are feeling this and it’s generating frustration. It’s damaging the credibility of the Chancellery and, critically, the CDU’s ability to project a competent and unified front on important policy matters”. The critiques raise concerns about whether Merz’s continued leadership can effectively navigate the complex political landscape and restore public trust in the CDU.