Friedrich Merz: Can the Chancellor Hold His Reform Promises Amid Crisis?

Public confidence in Germany's current government has reached an unprecedented low, creating a challenging environment for Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

This decline coincides with the looming threat of significant electoral successes for the far-right AfD party in eastern Germany. Such gains could profoundly destabilize the established political order, impacting both the CDU and SPD parties.

The central question revolves around whether Merz can still fulfill his administration's ambitious reform agenda. Key areas targeted for reform include the pension system, healthcare, taxation, and overall financial policy. The article explores the feasibility of these promises under the current political climate and the potential consequences if they are not met.

Constanze Kainz discusses these critical issues with Mark Schieritz, deputy head of ZEIT's political desk, in the latest episode of "Was jetzt? – Die Woche." They examine the government's ability to navigate the crisis and steer the country back on course.