Following one hundred days in office, Chancellor Friedrich Merz appears to be receiving consistent support from the Union’s senior members. Helge Benda, acting federal chairman of the Senioren-Union, emphasized the need for patience and careful consideration in implementing significant changes. “Those of us with more life experience know that major transformations require time – and prudence is preferable to hasty actions” Benda stated to the news agency.
Benda acknowledged the challenges inherent in coalition governance, framing internal debate as a natural part of the democratic process rather than an indicator of stagnation. He expressed approval of the Chancellor’s approach to negotiation, noting a preference for sustainable solutions over quick compromises. “Politics is not a sprint, but a marathon” he commented.
The Senioren-Union is urging a measured assessment of the government’s early performance, advocating that long-term impacts should be prioritized over initial headlines. Benda suggested that the patience demonstrated by senior citizens should be adopted more broadly amongst the electorate.
The Senioren-Union functions as an official affiliated organization of the CDU, with its chairman automatically holding a position on the party’s federal executive committee. Membership is open to individuals aged 60 and over, a category which includes the 69-year-old Chancellor.
