The sharp critique leveled by Green Party politician Ricarda Lang has intensified the political tensions surrounding Chancellor Friedrich Merz and exposed fissures within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Lang’s assessment paints a picture of a leader struggling to reconcile ambitious ideological promises with the realities of coalition governance, while simultaneously exhibiting a troubling exclusionary worldview.
Speaking to T-Online, Lang asserted that the core issue isn’t what Merz says, but “what” he thinks, characterizing those thoughts as demonstrably exclusionary. She accused him of prioritizing the construction of “us versus them” narratives, focusing on who doesn’t “fit” rather than on strategies for national unity. Lang specifically cited Merz’s past commentary regarding urban landscapes and societal challenges, arguing that his perspective reveals a distinct lack of engagement with inclusivity and a persistent “learning curve operating in reverse.
Lang’s criticism didn’t stop at concerns about Merz’s public statements. She further accused him of demonstrating a profound leadership deficit within the CDU. Having campaigned on a promise of a post-Merkel “CDU pure” – a vision of uncompromising policy – Merz now finds himself constrained by coalition demands. This ideological clash has manifested most recently in the contentious debate surrounding pension reform, a conflict that has ignited a wave of discontent among younger members of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group.
According to Lang, this rebellion represents a “disappointment with a paternal figure who hasn’t delivered on his promises”. The perceived disconnect between Merz’s previously assertive campaign rhetoric and his current position within a coalition government has left a void, fueling internal frustration and destabilizing the party’s internal dynamics. The previously employed “grandstanding” from the campaign trail, she argues, is now proving to be a significant liability, highlighting a fundamental inability to adapt to the compromises inherent in governing. This internal strife puts further strain on the fragile coalition and raises questions about the long-term viability of Merz’s leadership within the CDU.
