Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's CDU, is experiencing a significant political challenge as the right-wing AfD gains momentum in polls. This shift is creating a crisis of confidence and raising concerns about a potential tilt to the right in German politics. SPD politician Mast emphasizes the need for societal opposition to this trend. Merz, as a potential chancellor, is urged to focus on social cohesion and avoid divisive headlines.
Despite aiming to solidify his position by embracing conservative values, Merz is now compelled to consider the political center to maintain relevance. Many voters from the right are shifting allegiance from the CDU to the AfD, putting additional pressure on Merz to compromise and retract some earlier commitments.
Within the CDU, dissatisfaction is brewing over coalition talks with the SPD, with some members criticizing perceived concessions and a lack of assertiveness. The CDU's internal conflicts and the rising popularity of SPD leader Klingbeil and CSU leader Söder highlight Merz's decreasing approval.
Amid these political tensions, potential future CDU/CSU and SPD coalition plans suggest significant energy sector reforms that could benefit consumers, though implementation details remain ambiguous.
