Friedrich Merz: Tactless Leadership Stalls Germany's Recovery

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, one year into his tenure, faces approval ratings around 20%, making him one of the Western world's least popular leaders. His centrist coalition of Christian Democrats and Social Democrats is plagued by infighting, delaying a major health-and-welfare reform bill. Merz admitted he has "no authority" to convince his own party to back his policies. His relationship with US President Donald Trump is strained after Merz said Trump was being "humiliated" in Iran; the US subsequently withdrew 5,000 troops from Germany. Germany's economy remains stagnant. Despite early successes—approval of expenditure increases for infrastructure and defense before taking office—the government only passed a budget in November. Analysts criticize Merz's "erratic, capricious and jumpy" leadership style (ARD's Annette Dittert) and slow reform pace (ING Germany's Carsten Brzeski). On the positive side, Germany was Europe's biggest military spender in 2025 and could become the continent's leading military power within a decade. Merz must use his remaining political capital to push through reforms and prepare the public for challenges ahead.