Matthias Miersch, the SPD parliamentary group leader, expressed an expectation of calming the situation within the CDU/Union following several controversial personnel decisions made by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Speaking to the RTL and ntv program “Frühstart” on Wednesday, Miersch noted that Merz himself reportedly wished things had turned out differently. Despite this, he anticipates that calm will finally settle in today, allowing everyone to return to their key tasks.
From the perspective of the SPD leader, Merz’s actions have not damaged the black-red coalition. Miersch highlighted that several projects were agreed upon before the summer break and emphasized that the political will must now be applied to implement them. This applies both to the cabinet and the parliamentary groups when their sessions resume in September. He assured that prior agreements would now be put into practice.
Regarding the leadership change within the Union party, Miersch acknowledged the previous chairman, Jens Spahn (CDU), saying he felt personal regret over the departure. He recounted that he had collaborated with Spahn with great confidence over many months, even though they often held markedly divergent political views. Miersch stressed that such working relationships develop organically and cannot be simply prescribed.
In contrast, Miersch voiced confidence in Spahn’s successor, Thorsten Frei (CDU). He is very certain that Frei is someone who approaches issues in a highly pragmatic manner. As he knows Frei from the coalition committee, Miersch expects that the positive working relationship can continue.
