German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for greater unity within his governing coalition on Saturday, October 24, warning of growing threats from political extremists and alleged Russian efforts to destabilize Germany.
Addressing the Christian Social Union (CSU) conference in Munich, Merz urged his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party to strengthen cooperation amid declining public confidence, electoral setbacks and disagreements over government reforms.
Merz's appeal followed regional election defeats in eastern Germany, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) finished first in two states, while the Left Party topped the poll in Berlin.
His approval ratings have fallen to record lows, with tensions emerging between coalition partners and within the conservative CDU-CSU alliance.
Merz reaffirmed his opposition to cooperation with the AfD, which leads national opinion polls, rejecting calls from some conservatives to reconsider the longstanding political firewall separating the parties.
He also urged the Social Democrats and Greens against forming a Berlin coalition with the Left Party, accusing it of tolerating antisemitism.
The Left Party denies systemic antisemitism within its ranks.
Another unresolved dispute concerns the succession of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier next year.
The CSU supports Ilse Aigner, while the CDU has not endorsed her candidacy.
Merz warned that Germany faces mounting challenges from domestic extremism and foreign interference, specifically accusing Russia of attempting to destabilize the country daily.
Moscow denies conducting a hybrid campaign against Germany and other European countries.
Relations between Berlin and Moscow have deteriorated sharply since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Merz also emphasized the urgency of pension, tax and welfare reforms to revive Germany's economy and restore public confidence.
He expressed confidence that electricity taxes could be reduced next year, although existing government reductions cover only industry, agriculture and forestry.
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil has warned that budgetary flexibility remains limited despite forecasts of higher tax revenues.
The conference underscored Merz's challenge of maintaining conservative unity while addressing coalition divisions, economic dissatisfaction and growing political polarization.