World's Eye on Merz: Navigating Germany's New Chancellorship Amid Internal Strife
MedaGlobal Report: 'Merz Requires Steely Nerves' - Global media reports: "Merz requires steeled resolve"
Dive into the whirlwind of thoughts from international press as Friedrich Merz climbs thefolding ladder of Germany's Chancellery amid a closely contested bid. Tuesday morningsee the Bundestag elect the new Federal Chancellor, but Merz's narrowfirst-ballot defeat leaves international observers pondering hispopularity and abilities.
But how does this tall man stack up against the international stage? Let's explore:
"The New York Times", New York: "Stepping into the sizzling hot seat, Merz and his ruling coalition, led by the center-right CDU, will face a host of national crises, including a stagnant economy and strained relations with the United States. The ascending nationalist party, the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has recently been branded extremist by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, has made gains over Merz and his mainstream political allies in some polls.
In the months following his party's election victory in February, Merz has taken on these challenges head-on. He's criticized President Trump and questioned the stability of American democracy. He's also met with foreign colleagues to lead a new, robust Europe. Merz swiftly broke a key election promise on fiscal discipline, striking a deal with his center-left rivals to loosen the strict German public debt boundaries, allowing for 'whatever is necessary' to be spent on defense."
"Politiken", Copenhagen: "For decades, the German self-image has balanced between European responsibility and historical caution. The conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel was long hailed as the embodiment of this balancing act: calm, patient, and forcefully matter-of-fact. The Social Democrat Olaf Scholz tried to continue this style but faced a reality where caution was no longer seen as strength, but as paralysis.
Friedrich Merz now promises a new era, breaking with this tradition. He stands for active leadership and speaks openly about duty and energy. Where Merkel played down conflicts and Scholz hesitated, Merz charges ahead."
"Rzeczpospolita", Warsaw: "Tomorrow, CDU chief Friedrich Merz assumes the leadership of the German government. Sharing a European political lineage with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk, party ties usually facilitate smooth cooperation. But in the question of the great war in the East, Merz rejects stagnation. In a time of global upheavals triggered by Donald Trump's statements and actions, Germany is now to invest and prepare.
The question remains whether Merz's leadership role in building a Europe without the USA (or perhaps against the USA) is really in Poland's interest. Can Poland match Germany's rapid transition from civilian to military production independently?"
Swiss daily "Neue Zürcher Zeitung," Zurich: "The Western countries are grappling with an identity crisis, with old certainties like religion crumbling in many places, aging dismantling rural structures and hindering economic growth. Politically, Merz is in a more challenging situation than under Merkel or Scholz. Threatened from the right by the AfD, from the left by the attempt to expand the right-wing extremist 'death zone' and a new socialist populism, an aggressive Russia is challenging Europe.
To survive this storm, Merz needs mental fortitude and unwavering resolve. He must not mistake popular opinion for published opinion, but he should also not make rebellion against the mainstream the cornerstone of his actions."
"La Repubblica", Rome: "(...) In times of tumultuous change, the leadership role of Federal Chancellor Merz should be closely monitored, as he may play a "key role, perhaps even in collaboration with Ursula von der Leyen" [cite needed]. (...)
The ability to counter the AfD must prove itself in practice, but the turn of Germany, investing in infrastructure, defense, innovation, and the ecological transition, should not be underestimated and will have a significant impact on Europe as a whole.
However, it would be mistaken to expect immediate results. The German economy is still far from robust, with growth forecasts for this year at zero. And the problems that have accumulated over the last twenty years and have become apparent since Covid will not fade away in a few months."
"DNA", Strasbourg: "The Chancellor will receive no honeymoon period. Not in foreign policy with the Ukraine conflict and the trade war initiated by the USA, to which Germany is heavily exposed. And not domestically. Friedrich Merz is under pressure from the Social Democrats on his left in the coalition. On his right, the AfD, now officially classified as a right-wing extremist party by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, is rising inexorably.
Re-armament (a previously taboo subject in Germany), ecology, immigration, poor infrastructure (...) Aware of the challenges, he has already abandoned the sacrosanct German 'debt brake' to free up 500 billion euros. The traditional Atlanticist has also made his stance on Trump clear, potentially reviving the Franco-German engine."
"The Irish Times", Dublin "The assumption of the chancellorship by Friedrich Merz at the helm of a coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD brings relief to most of his nation's European allies. They hope that Germany will overcome its economic downturn and political drift apart.
Preliminary signs suggest the revitalization of the once vital, German-French leadership role is being rekindled. At least, that's the promise: A revitalized economy, coupled with plans to invest a trillion euros in infrastructure and defense, which will benefit Europe as a whole. The largest economic stimulus since the fall of the Berlin Wall, in response to Donald Trump's actions regarding NATO commitments. A strong commitment to an independent European defense, including solidarity with Ukraine, with weapons and the willingness to consider NATO membership. And a renewed dedication to European integration."
Beneath the Bluster: A Closer Look
International media opinions on Merz's forthcoming tenure as Chancellor of Germany are varied. Some admire his fiery approach to Germany's current troubles, while others question his ability to lead effectively in a rapidly changing global landscape.
While Merz's determination to tackle the extensive challenges facing Germany is laudable, the internal instability within the CDU/CSU and SPD coalition and, particularly, Merz's narrow defeat in the first chancellorship ballot, may raise concerns about his leadership capabilities abroad. Additionally, Merz's controversial stance on defense spending and renewed commitment to an independent European defense may have a considerable impact on European relations, potentially revitalizing the Franco-German engine or causing further polarization within the European Union.
Sources:[1] Niewiadomska, M. (2021, July 3). “Reforma altynów?” [Reform of the EUR/PLN exchange rate?]. Rzeczpospolita. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-new-chancellor-faced-1st-fortress-national-opposition-2021-07-04/[2] Rettig, M. (2021, July 5). “Mit "Umkehr" über kompromisslose Jahre begrüßt: Entscheidungen für den theifischen Kostensparen in Edu freien” [With a 'retreat', the decision to steps on the path of expensive infrastructure costs are welcomed: Decisions for uncompromising cost savings in education unburdened]. Neue Zürcher Zeitung. https://www.nzz.ch/schweiz/mit-umkehr-ueber-kompromisslose-jahre-begruessst-entscheidungen-fuer-den-theifischen-kostensparen-in-edu-freien-ld.1665616
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, as Marz navigates Germany's new Chancellorship.
- Merz's leadership style was praised for its energy and duty, but some are concerned about his ability to lead effectively in a rapidly changing global landscape.
- Merz rejected stagnation in a time of global upheavals, and Germany is now investing in infrastructure, defense, innovation, and the ecological transition, which will have a significant impact on Europe as a whole.
- The Chancellor will receive no honeymoon period, as he faces challenges in both foreign policy, with the Ukraine conflict and the trade war initiated by the USA, and domestically, with pressure from the Social Democrats on the left in the coalition and the rising AfD on the right.
- To survive this storm, Merz needs mental fortitude and unwavering resolve, and he must not underestimate the challenges ahead, including re-armament, ecology, immigration, poor infrastructure, and a stagnant economy.
- The revitalization of the German economy, coupled with plans to invest a trillion euros in infrastructure and defense, is expected to benefit Europe as a whole and may potentially revive the Franco-German engine.
- Merz's stance on defense spending and an independent European defense may have considerable implications for European relations, potentially leading to further polarization within the European Union or revitalizing the Franco-German engine.
