The leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing escalating criticism, with the federal chairman of the Jusos, Philipp Türmer (SPD), accusing him of fostering division and presiding over a chaotic administration. In remarks published Monday by the “Rheinische Post”, Türmer characterized Merz’s approach as “rather muddled” bluntly labeling him a “chaos chancellor” who lacks control even over his own parliamentary caucus.
Türmer’s critique centers on the Chancellor’s increasingly inflammatory rhetoric, which he argues has failed to unify the nation and instead actively contributes to its polarization. He emphasized the urgent need for Merz to moderate his public statements, suggesting that the Chancellor may require intervention from within the government, even necessitating intervention from SPD representatives at cabinet meetings. “If he doesn’t realize it himself, others must tell him” he asserted.
Beyond questioning Merz’s leadership style, Türmer issued a stark warning to the CDU/CSU alliance concerning potential political maneuverings. He cautioned against entertaining ideas of minority governments or coalitions involving the far-right AfD, branding such prospects as “playing with fire”. Türmer’s statement underscored a concern that some within the conservative bloc are flirting with destabilizing political strategies and he expressed hope that key figures within the CDU/CSU leadership retain a grounding in historical awareness. The comments represent a significant escalation in the political sparring between the SPD’s youth wing and the conservative government, signaling a potentially volatile domestic political landscape.