Alexander Schweitzer, the deputy federal chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), sharply criticized Friedrich Merz (CDU) during a debate concerning a potential changing of the Chancellor. Speaking to the newspaper “Die Welt” (Friday edition), Schweitzer argued that the authority of the Chancellor has been massively undermined by the SPD itself, especially following the public discussions regarding a cabinet reshuffle earlier this summer. He stressed that the conversation surrounding the Chancellor within the SPD party has not subsided following the election results in Saxony-Anhalt, which, he noted, are closely tied to the performance of the Federal Government, but also to the Chancellor himself.
The SPD politician added that his party remains loyal to the coalition, but he acknowledged that the manner in which Friedrich Merz operates and the topics he introduces into the societal debate are not beneficial to the current federal government.
Regarding the possibility of a leadership change toward Hendrik Wüst, the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia (CDU), Schweitzer stated that he does not believe it is appropriate for him to comment publicly on this, particularly as a Social Democrat, at this time. Nevertheless, he pointed out that the ongoing internal discussions within the CDU-which have been happening for weeks and months-are an additional source of instability that negatively affects the federal government and the coalition. Therefore, he expressed his hope that the Union would soon provide clarification.
