A growing rift within the conservative ranks of German politics is intensifying scrutiny of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s foreign policy strategy, with the youth wing of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Junge Union (JU), publicly demanding a consolidation of power and a sharper definition of Germany’s international stance. The criticism largely targets Foreign Minister Daniel Wadephul, whose recent statements regarding repatriation efforts to Syria have been deemed deeply problematic and indicative of a broader lack of strategic coordination.
Kevin Gniosdorz, leader of the JU in North Rhine-Westphalia, highlighted in an interview with Focus magazine that Wadephul’s ambiguous and, according to Gniosdorz, “misleading” communication on the issue of returns to Syria has fueled public uncertainty and provided ammunition for opposition voices. He argued Wadephul’s description of a devastated Syrian city during a visit, while displaying understandable empathy, failed to align with a clear governmental position.
The call for a shift in power stems from Chancellor Merz’s earlier promise of a unified and cohesive foreign policy – a pledge now seemingly under threat. JU leaders contend that the Auswärtiges Amt (Foreign Ministry) is increasingly becoming a source of political risk due to Wadephul’s unpredictable and often historically insensitive pronouncements.
Lukas Brandscheid, JU leader in Hesse, was particularly blunt, accusing Wadephul of lacking the “necessary degree of political comprehension”. He asserts that a minister consistently generating friction and necessitating public correction from the Chancellor has demonstrably lost political control over their portfolio.
The growing discontent signals a potential challenge to Chancellor Merz’s authority as factions within the CDU grapple with the perceived inadequacy of the Foreign Ministry’s current leadership and the imperative need for a more decisive and unified approach to German foreign policy. The accusations underscore a deeper concern: that a lack of strategic coherence is damaging Germany’s international standing and undermining the credibility of the governing coalition.
