During an appearance on the ARD show “Caren Miosga” which was aired Sunday evening, CDU leader Friedrich Merz addressed his coalition partners using unusually sharp language, calling for them to moderate their positions. Merz stated, “To the address of the SPD: There is no left majority in Germany”.
He continued by discussing the internal dynamics of the CDU, acknowledging that “there is a growing dissatisfaction within the CDU”. While he emphasized that he lacked the authority to dismantle the party, Merz maintained that the Union must remain a central component of the current coalition. He cautioned the SPD against being misled into thinking they can act arbitrarily with the CDU/CSU alliance.
In terms of specific policy demands, Merz called for the SPD to exercise considerable restraint, particularly regarding their tax plans. When addressing SPD leader Lars Klingbeil’s push for higher taxation on higher incomes, Merz declared, “Compromises are not a one-way street”. He warned that the CDU/CSU would not accept such proposals, stating clearly, “That is not possible with the CDU/CSU. Not even with me”.
