Frankfurt (Germany), May 27 (LaPresse) – In influential circles of the CDU, the hypothesis of a possible replacement of Chancellor Friedrich Merz with another party figure is reportedly circulating, due to the stalemate on reforms and historically negative polling results. This is reported by Bild, according to which the issue has been discussed among members of the party leadership and other prominent Christian Democrats. According to the newspaper, these are not concrete or formalised plans, but rather assessments emerging in restricted discussions about the political and institutional feasibility of a possible change at the head of the government, albeit with awareness of the high risks of such a scenario. Similar rumours had already been reported by the German weekly Stern. From a constitutional perspective, a replacement of the chancellor would theoretically be possible through a constructive vote of no confidence provided for under Article 67 of the German Basic Law, which would allow the Bundestag to elect a new chancellor without calling early elections. However, in practice, the success of such an operation would mainly depend on Merz’s willingness to leave office, either voluntarily or under party pressure. Among the names that, according to Bild, could play a decisive role are powerful CDU regional governors, including Hendrik Wüst, Boris Rhein and Michael Kretschmer, identified as possible interlocutors for Merz in the event of a crisis. Also according to Bild, explicit dissent within the party leadership has decreased due to fears of leaks to the press, while criticism circulates mainly in WhatsApp groups also attended by major regional leaders. Assessments of the chancellor’s willingness to step down remain divided: some sources believe Merz could resign in the event of failure of his reform programme, while others argue that he would not easily give up an office won after years of political struggle.
Germany, Bild: “In the CDU, discussed hypothesis of replacing Merz”
Frankfurt (Germany), May 27 (LaPresse) – In influential circles of the CDU, the hypothesis of a possible replacement of Chancellor Friedrich Merz with another party figure is reportedly circulating, due to the stalemate on reforms and historically negative polling results. This is reported by Bild, according to which the issue has been discussed among members of the party leadership and other prominent Christian Democrats. According to the newspaper, these are not concrete or formalised plans, but rather assessments emerging in restricted discussions about the political and institutional feasibility of a possible change at the head of the government, albeit with awareness of the high risks of such a scenario. Similar rumours had already been reported by the German weekly Stern. From a constitutional perspective, a replacement of the chancellor would theoretically be possible through a constructive vote of no confidence provided for under Article 67 of the German Basic Law, which would allow the Bundestag to elect a new chancellor without calling early elections. However, in practice, the success of such an operation would mainly depend on Merz’s willingness to leave office, either voluntarily or under party pressure. Among the names that, according to Bild, could play a decisive role are powerful CDU regional governors, including Hendrik Wüst, Boris Rhein and Michael Kretschmer, identified as possible interlocutors for Merz in the event of a crisis. Also according to Bild, explicit dissent within the party leadership has decreased due to fears of leaks to the press, while criticism circulates mainly in WhatsApp groups also attended by major regional leaders. Assessments of the chancellor’s willingness to step down remain divided: some sources believe Merz could resign in the event of failure of his reform programme, while others argue that he would not easily give up an office won after years of political struggle.
