Friedrich Merz’s first 100 days as Chancellor of Germany have revealed certain challenges in the areas of internal politics, economics, and foreign policy.[i] While his administration has undertaken significant policy initiatives and played an active role on the international stage, various tensions have been observed in the domestic political arena.[ii]
Merz’s appointment has been marked by controversy during the nomination process in the Bundestag. The rejection of his candidacy in the first vote demonstrated the divided nature of political support in Germany. In the second vote, Merz was elected chancellor, and a coalition government was formed between the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Social Union (CSU).[iii] This “red-black” coalition is characterized by ideological differences and disagreements, particularly on economic reforms and immigration policies.
The Merz Government encountered several criticisms in the field of economics.[iv] According to a study conducted by the Ifo Institute, 42% of German economists have given the government’s economic policies a negative assessment. Criticism has focused on the lack of adequate measures to address rising pension costs and demographic changes. Although the government has launched initiatives such as a €500 billion public investment fund and tax incentives, the long-term effects of these measures are not yet clear.[v]
Politically, there has been a decline in Merz’s approval ratings.[vi] Some polls show that only 28% of the Germans are satisfied with the government’s performance. This situation arises from internal coalition disagreements and certain policy decisions; for instance, the delays in judicial appointments and the suspension of arms deliveries to Israel have caused controversy.[vii] These developments have had an impact on both intra-coalition relations, as well as on some allies and constituencies.
The political rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has influenced the political balance. According to some polls, the AfD has exceeded the CDU with 26% support compared to the CDU’s 24%. This trend reflects the rise of populist and nationalist movements in Germany. The attempts by Merz to address this situation by developing more conservative policies on immigration and national identity have been met with mixed reactions. While some groups within the party support these policies, others view them as a move toward far-right tendencies.
Merz’s term shows Germany’s efforts to balance its foreign policy goals and internal political pressures. Merz has continued Germany’s contribution to European security by supporting Ukraine. Nevertheless, decisions such as suspending arms shipments to Israel have caused some controversy. This situation highlights the need for Merz to adopt a pragmatic and cautious approach in foreign policy.
From a theoretical perspective, Merz’s policies can be analyzed using different approaches. The realist perspective focuses on the interests and sovereignty priorities of the state, and Merz’s policies toward Ukraine and Israel can be examined within this framework; in particular, decisions made in the context of security and strategic interests are evaluated in accordance with the realist paradigm. The liberal institutionalist approach emphasizes the efforts of states to maintain their role in international organizations and alliances; Merz’s diplomatic initiatives and emphasis on multilateral cooperation can be analyzed in accordance with this perspective. Moreover, structuralist and constructivist approaches provide a suitable framework for understanding the impact of national identity, historical narratives, and social values on policy preferences. This perspective is important for revealing the role of ideological factors and public perception in evaluating Merz’s domestic policy decisions. In conclusion, different theoretical perspectives provide the opportunity to analyze Merz’s foreign and domestic policy moves in a comprehensive manner and contribute to understanding the multidimensional nature of the leader’s strategic priorities.
In conclusion, Friedrich Merz’s first 100 days provide important insights that can be analyzed in terms of policy implementation, coalition governance, and international relations. The government has made certain progress in infrastructure investments, public investment funds, and foreign diplomacy, yet internal political polarization, coalition-internal disagreements, and the necessity of economic reforms continue to remain as significant challenges. The political decisions and strategic choices made during this period also offer insights into Merz’s leadership style, decision-making processes, and crisis management capabilities. In addition, Germany’s position in the international arena and its alliance relationships provide an important framework for assessing the short- and long-term effects of the government’s policies.
In the upcoming period, maintaining the stability of the Merz Government, strengthening public confidence, and pursuing a balanced foreign policy can be considered critical factors that will determine its success. In this regard, both the implementation of reforms in the field of domestic politics and the effective maintenance of Germany’s diplomatic role at the European and global levels can directly affect the government’s legitimacy and sustainability. Therefore, Merz’s performance in the coming period must be evaluated not only in terms of internal party dynamics and economic indicators, but also in the context of Germany’s role and cooperation in the international system.
[i] “Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz marks 100 days in Office”, DW, https://www.dw.com/en/germany-chancellor-friedrich-merz-marks-100-days-in-office/a-73605680, (Accessed: 13.08.2025).
[ii] “Merz’s first 100 days by the numbers”, Euractiv, https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/merzs-first-100-days-by-the-numbers/, (Accessed: 13.08.2025).
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] “German economists disappointed by Merz government’s slow reforms, survey shows”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/german-economists-disappointed-by-merz-governments-slow-reforms-survey-shows-2025-08-13/, (Accessed: 13.08.2025).
[v] Ibid.
[vi] “Why Friedrich Merz cannot fully celebrate his first 100 days as German chancellor”, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/2025/08/10/why-friedrich-merz-cannot-fully-celebrate-his-first-100-days-as-german-chancellor, (Accessed: 13.08.2025).
[vii] “Germany’s Merz faces conservative revolt over Israel arms suspension”, The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/13/german-merz-israel-arms-gaza/, (Accessed: 13.08.2025).
