According to reports cited by “Spiegel” based on statements from meeting participants, the Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, held Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) responsible for the poor image of the federal government during an SPD party leadership meeting last Monday.
The accounts suggest that Schwesig sharply criticized the Chancellor’s communication methods. She reportedly argued that Merz speaks in a patronizing manner, showing no understanding of the hardships and concerns faced by ordinary people. Furthermore, Schwesig criticized Merz for failing to take any action regarding the increase in fuel prices. The Schwerin election campaigner reportedly told the meeting attendees that she frequently receives queries about Merz during door-to-door campaigns, adding that citizens are intensely frustrated, which explains the low public approval ratings.
Schwesig told the participants that the Chancellor was dragging the entire administration down, concluding with the forceful statement: “The problem is Merz.”
