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SPD instability and CDU leadership crisis

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2026-11-06 18:29 UTC → 2026-11-07 16:11 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) continues to face internal instability and financial pressure due to declining revenues and membership. Simultaneously, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU are navigating a deepening leadership crisis. Following electoral failures, Merz’s approval has hit record lows, with recent Forsa data indicating that 86 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with his work. Internal pressure has intensified, particularly from eastern German party members. At a conference in Berlin, approximately 160 CDU district chairpersons confronted Merz regarding a disconnect between the leadership and the base. In Brandenburg, officials described the internal situation as a “dark red” alarm. Tensions also persist regarding the party’s stance on the AfD, which Merz has rejected, warning that cooperation could lead to former Chancellor Angela Merkel leaving the party. In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD has emerged as the strongest party, though 65 percent of the population expresses disapproval of an AfD-led government. Merz also faces criticism from within his own ranks. CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter has publicly criticized Merz for a lack of political tact and leadership qualities. ~~Regarding the succession of Frank-Walter Steinmeier as Federal President, Merz~~ Sociologist Steffen Mau has ~~declined to confirm reports~~ further criticized the Chancellor, telling Handelsblatt that ~~Ilse Aigner~~ Merz’s leadership is ~~the joint CDU/CSU candidate, stating~~ in “flicker mode,” suggesting he ~~will present~~ is driven by public discourse fluctuations rather than programmatic leadership. Mau noted that the CDU lacks a ~~proposal following~~ clear identity and that mainstream parties have ceased to be agenda-setters, often oscillating between adopting AfD rhetoric and distancing themselves from the far-right. Regarding the AfD, Mau characterized the party as a ~~leadership meeting in Berlin.~~ “political highwayman” that exploits economic uncertainty and societal polarization. Domestic unrest has expanded through the “Gen Z regelt” ~~initiative. While many protests were peaceful, violent riots in several cities~~ initiative, which has resulted in violent riots and over 100 injured police officers. Merz has pledged zero tolerance for violence. Additionally, Merz faced criticism from Fridays for Future activists, who projected images onto the Bundestag to protest his decision to skip the COP31 climate summit.

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