Former Hessian Minister-President Roland Koch (CDU) warned his party against a potential change in chancellor and predicted a lengthy tenure for Friedrich Merz (CDU). Speaking on the podcast “Ronzheimer,” Koch, who is considered a close confidant and advisor to Merz, debated the question of whether the focus should be on maintaining course during difficult times or on believing that political personnel changes could solve problems. He stated that he holds a clear opinion on this matter, urging others to articulate theirs and outline the necessary consequences.
Koch advised against a possible change of chancellor, noting that he is unaware of any situation in Germany or Europe where such a move led to particularly positive results.
According to Koch, Merz is currently in a very complicated situation. While the chancellor took historically necessary steps regarding debt accumulation early in his term, this action also broke a campaign promise in the eyes of many voters. Merz’ challenging starting position is further complicated by the coalition with the SPD. The Union can only fulfill voter expectations slowly and diligently, and not entirely as requested.
Koch emphasized that the CDU is currently at a critical low point in this discussion, forcing the party to decide whether it has the courage and strength to steer through this period and return to calmer waters-a possibility he sees-or if they intend to make decisions based on the current level of nervousness.
Despite historically poor polling numbers, Roland Koch maintains that Merz is the right federal chancellor. He believes Germany does not have a better chancellor available in the current critical international climate. Koch expressed his wish and conviction that Merz will remain chancellor in the country for a very long time.
