German conservative leader dismisses talk of early exit for Merz

Thorsten Frei, parliamentary leader of the CDU/CSU bloc in the Bundestag, has dismissed speculation about a possible early resignation of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"Friedrich Merz is the elected chancellor. He will remain in office for the entire legislative period," Frei said in an interview with the Funke media group. "The authority of the chancellor has not been affected," he added.

Merz has recently faced criticism from members of his own Christian Democratic Union (CDU) following a series of cabinet reshuffles. The chancellor has sought to play down internal tensions, saying the situation within the conservative camp would “calm down” by September.

However, analysts suggest that a poor showing by the CDU in upcoming regional elections in Berlin, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt could intensify pressure on Merz, potentially prompting calls within his own party for an early departure.

Frei acknowledged that the September votes could influence the stability and functioning of the ruling coalition in Berlin.

"The September elections will certainly not be a catastrophe, but in any case will have consequences for government work in Berlin," he said. "But this concerns all of us."

By Tamilla Hasanova