German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Faces Green Party Protest During Government Declaration

Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered his government declaration in the Bundestag on 9 July 2026. While praising the newly opened Infineon “Smart Power Fab” in Saxony – described as the world’s largest power‑semiconductor factory serving data centres, machines, e‑mobility and renewable energy – members of the Green party shouted “Danke, Robert” to thank former Green leader and ex‑economy minister Robert Habeck.

The interjections briefly halted Merz, who replied that the disruption was unnecessary and urged the Greens to applaud the achievement instead of interrupting. He also referenced his recent appearance at the NATO summit in Ankara, where Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan presented him with a weapon, and noted his attempts to address comments about Donald Trump.

Merz resumed his speech, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Infineon plant for Germany and Europe’s industrial future, while the parliamentary gallery calmed after the brief tumult.