Chancellor, or chief freelancer? Merz’s absence fuels German media criticism

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s absence from public view since July 29 has sparked growing debate in Germany, with media questioning his prolonged holiday during a period marked by extreme heat, drought, wildfires and security concerns.

Merz was last seen publicly on July 29, when he said, “Have good holidays, goodbye.” What was initially expected to be a short break has now stretched to nearly four weeks, prompting German media to ask: “Where is the Chancellor?”

Public broadcaster Tagesschau highlighted Merz’s silence as major developments unfolded, including severe heat, drought, falling river levels, wildfires and the discovery of a drone at Leipzig-Halle Airport that was reportedly assessed to have been carrying an explosive device.

Critics have questioned why Merz has not made public statements on these issues, with his limited communication largely confined to social media.

The government has rejected suggestions that Merz has stepped away from his duties. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille said on August 19 that the absence of public appearances should not be interpreted as a holiday from official responsibilities.

“The concepts of Chancellor and vacation don't really fit together because a chancellor is never on vacation,” Hille said.

He added that Merz remains in regular contact with cabinet members, handles party matters and maintains communication with foreign heads of state and government.

Other German media outlets have also weighed in. ZDF noted that Merz had not appeared publicly for more than three weeks, while NDR asked, “Is the Chancellor constantly on vacation, what is he doing?”

Stern posed an even more direct question: “Does he have the right to do this?”

Spiegel, in an article titled “Three lessons from the XL vacation,” examined whether Merz’s extended break was consistent with his previous calls for Germans to work more and efficiently. Die Zeit similarly questioned his role under the headline “Chancellor, or Chief Freelancer?”

There is no legally defined maximum vacation period for Germany’s chancellor.

The debate, however, centers less on Merz’s right to take time off than on whether the country’s leader should remain publicly visible during periods of crisis.

By Vafa Guliyeva