Henning Höne, the chairman of the FDP in North Rhine-Westphalia and a candidate for the federal FDP chairmanship, sharply criticized Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) during the one-year anniversary of the black-red coalition. Speaking to the news outlet ntv on Wednesday, Höne contended that Merz conducted his election campaign emphasizing market economics but is currently promoting social-democratic policies, thereby contradicting his own promises. He stated that “this breach of word loses a lot of trust”.
Looking at the political climate, Höne suggested that the black-red coalition is now less popular than the ‘traffic light’ coalition was when it was nearing its end. He concluded that Merz has started his tenure poorly, urging him to adopt “less self-pity and a little more self-reflection”.
Acknowledging that the nation faces significant economic hurdles, Höne stated that this represents “the biggest construction site” at the moment. He emphasized his demand for deeper reforms, expressing frustration that progress is being stalled or delegated to various commissions. Specifically, he criticized the proposed reform of the statutory health insurance, arguing that it will raise costs for both employers and employees. According to Höne, this will sabotage, rather than support, economic recovery.
Concluding his remarks, Höne reiterated his intention to run for the chairmanship of the FDP at the party convention scheduled for the end of May.
