Criticism of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s (CDU) handling of Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) is intensifying. Christian Bäumler, a federal vice president of the Christian Democratic Workers’ Association (CDA), told the “Handelsblatt” that the potential dismissal of Transport Minister Schnieder “gives the impression of arbitrary action.”
Bäumler stated that a federal government should not function like a feudal kingdom. He added that this approach damages public trust in democracy, using the phrase “feudal kingdom” to criticize what he viewed as an authoritarian leadership style where decisions are made based on personal discretion rather than transparent democratic procedures.
The dispute stems from a failed cabinet reshuffle in the Ministry of Transport. Schnieder had already communicated his departure to certain members of the Bundestag via SMS after Merz informed him he would be fired. However, the dismissal did not materialize because the potential successor accepted the position late on Thursday evening, only to retract the acceptance shortly afterward.
In addition to this specific incident, a CDU federal board member, who wished to remain anonymous, leveled severe accusations against Merz. The politician told the “Handelsblatt” that the cabinet reform is “typical of Friedrich Merz.” The individual claimed that Merz operates “as a supervisory board chairman, giving the thumbs down if he is dissatisfied with performance.”
This CDU board member argued that human considerations and political sensitivity were entirely disregarded. “The Chancellor also fails to realize: he is not the supervisory board of Deutschland AG, but the CEO,” the board member asserted. The negative feelings within the party are severe, stating that Merz’s “lack of foresight and practical incompetence have become a threat to the government and the reputation of the CDU. Election campaigners are worried about him. The mood in the entire party is catastrophic.”
