Heidi Reichinnek, the leader of the Linke faction, has accused Chancellor Friedrich Merz of lacking compassion. Following the withdrawal of Bärbel Bas (SPD), Reichinnek told the “Rheinische Post” that Merz deals with the public and his government members with a disturbing lack of empathy. She suggested that he’s unable to approach people with mercy, even when dealing with taxing family circumstances.
Reichinnek stated that this coldness is evident in the way people experience him daily-especially considering that as a potential chancellor, he bears the responsibility of supporting them and improving their lives through affordability, a strong and secure social state, and advocating for decent wages and strong employment. She criticized Merz for not only leaving citizens to fend for themselves amidst their concerns but for aggravating them further.
The backdrop of this criticism is the recent resignation of Bärbel Bas from her roles as co-leader of the SPD and Federal Minister of Labour, which she made following the death of her stepdaughter on Monday. In a statement issued on Monday, Bas noted that during this intensely personal time, she faced continuous public attacks, even coming from members of the coalition partner. According to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, particular internal remarks made by Merz regarding Bas have caused resentment within the SPD.
