The German federal government is officially refraining from commenting on the widespread media coverage regarding an alleged internal discussion about a “chancellor swap”. Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius affirmed on Friday, in response to the dts news agency, that these reports are merely rumors and speculation, stating he would not comment on them. Kornelius emphasized that Chancellor Friedrich Merz, much like the entire federal government, is concentrating on the “reform process” declaring that this is the central issue of their work and all other topics are irrelevant.
Kornelius also declined to address the question of whether Chancellor Merz and NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) had contacted each other since the rumors surfaced, simply stating that he would give no information on that matter. He confirmed that the Chancellor is in constant contact with the members of the CDU’s executive body and leadership. However, Kornelius explained that the specifics of when, with whom, about what, or how they communicate-be it by writing, phone, or meeting-remain confidential.
Furthermore, Kornelius did not repeat a previous quote that had circulated from the Chancellor’s circle, which spoke of a “dangerous urge to instigate” within the Chancellor’s office. Instead, he reported that the Chancellor’s mood is “very good and constructive”.
Over the past few days, various media outlets have reported on the claim that there are internal party demands for a leadership change at the chancellery. According to these circulating reports, NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wüst is supposed to replace Friedrich Merz as the federal chancellor before the current legislative term ends.
