The leader of the Left Party, Ines Schwerdtner, has delivered a sharply critical assessment of the first 100 days of the current federal government led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). Describing the period as a “classic false start, a fiasco” Schwerdtner expressed disappointment, stating expectations were not met. She cited a perceived lack of meaningful structural reform in key areas such as pensions, employment and care provision.
Schwerdtner highlighted what she characterized as a disparity between available financial resources and their distribution, noting the government has access to more funds than any predecessor, yet allocates them inequitably. She specifically criticized expenditure on defense, framing it as investment in “dead metal” rather than initiatives benefiting the broader population. She argued that relief measures were not being prioritized, with benefits instead directed towards large corporations.
The continued rise in support for the AfD party does not surprise Schwerdtner, given the government’s priorities. She contends that continued cuts to education and healthcare, coupled with insufficient financial support for local authorities, an emphasis on military build-up and a restrictive migration policy, are contributing factors.
Schwerdtner leveled criticism at the Social Democratic Party (SPD), alleging a lack of assertiveness and a tendency to yield to the CDU. She claims the SPD is acquiescing to CDU policies, including stricter migration controls, in order to secure minimal concessions. As an example, she pointed to the recently passed pension legislation, which she deemed inadequate, with a projected pension level of 48 percent being insufficient to meet the needs of retirees.
On the international stage, Schwerdtner also criticized the Chancellor’s approach. She described Merz as making pronouncements without translating them into tangible results, suggesting a perceived arrogance does not equate to diplomatic effectiveness. She claims the recent meeting between the Chancellor and US President Donald Trump yielded no discernible impact on issues such as tariffs, the conflict in Ukraine, or the situation in Gaza.
