The Guardian view on Friedrich Merz: Germany’s chancellor must change course to halt the rise of the AfD
A failure to address widespread economic insecurity, and a crisis in living standards, is allowing the far right to harness a growing protest vote.
TL;DR
- The CDU, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, experienced significant electoral losses in recent state elections.
- The far-right AfD won regional elections and holds a lead in national polls, capitalizing on economic discontent.
- Merz's government policies, including austerity measures, are unpopular and failing to address cost of living concerns.
- Despite electoral setbacks, Merz is likely to remain in office due to constitutional hurdles and a reluctance for new elections.
- The article argues that addressing economic insecurity and living standards is crucial to halting the AfD's rise.