German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly acknowledged the struggles of his year-old conservative-Social Democrat coalition, admitting that internal disputes are overshadowing policy achievements. Speaking at the German Catholic Convention (Katholikentag) in Würzburg, the CDU leader said that while disagreement is a normal part of democracy, it must ultimately produce results. "At present, there may be too many arguments and too little being achieved," he told the audience.
The admission comes as the government plans a major reform package on tax, labour market, pensions, and bureaucracy before the summer recess. Yet recent weeks have seen repeated public spats between the coalition partners, eroding public confidence. According to the latest ARD "Germany Trend" survey, only 13 percent of respondents are satisfied with the government's performance, and Merz's personal approval rating has slumped to 16 percent.
Self-Criticism and a Call for More Effort
Merz also turned the lens on himself, conceding that his communication style needs improvement. "I know I have to improve the way I communicate so that my messages are better understood," he said during a panel discussion where young people posed questions. He acknowledged that he is grappling with why he has not succeeded in convincing the public of the government's course.
On economic policy, Merz stressed that many Germans already work hard, but noted that lifetime and annual working hours are lower than in many other industrialised countries. "If existing prosperity is to be secured, everyone will have to make a greater effort and do more," he said, calling for a "collective push" to lead Germany out of its current difficulties. Youth representatives pushed back against any suggestion that young people are lazy, and Merz clarified that no one in his party had used that label.
The event was briefly disrupted by climate activists who heckled and whistled. The audience of over 1,000 initially tolerated the protest but eventually called for the activists to leave. Security escorted one woman out, while another left voluntarily.
Fresh Criticism of the United States
Merz used the platform to renew his criticism of the United States, saying his admiration for the country is currently not increasing. "I would not advise my children today to go to the United States, to be educated there and to work there," he said, citing a "particular social climate" that has suddenly developed. He contrasted the US model with Germany's social market economy, which he described as offering more stability. Many highly qualified young Europeans, he added, are finding it difficult to secure jobs in the US.
These remarks echo his earlier comments in April, when he told pupils in North Rhine-Westphalia that an entire nation was being humiliated by the Iranian leadership. That earlier criticism prompted a sharp response from US President Donald Trump, who wrote on Truth Social that Merz "did not know what he was talking about" and that Germany was doing badly economically.
A Surprise Call with Trump
Later in the afternoon, Merz posted on X that he had a "good phone call" with Trump, who was returning from his summit in Beijing. The call covered three key issues: Iran must come to the negotiating table, open the Strait of Hormuz, and not acquire a nuclear weapon. They also discussed a peace settlement for Ukraine and coordinated positions ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. Merz wrote: "The United States and Germany are strong partners in a strong NATO."
The timing raises questions about whether Trump was aware of Merz's earlier critical remarks. When Merz last criticised the US in front of young people, Trump reacted sharply, leading to a cooling in relations. This time, the tone appears more conciliatory, though the underlying tensions remain. The call comes as Europe watches the fallout from Trump's Beijing summit, which failed to secure major trade concessions from China. The Strait of Hormuz crisis, in particular, has global implications, with China offering to mediate while warning the US on Taiwan.
For Merz, the balancing act is delicate: he must maintain a working relationship with Washington while addressing domestic discontent and a coalition that is fraying at the edges. Whether his call with Trump marks a genuine reset or a temporary truce remains to be seen.
