FDP leader slams Merz's coalition as popularity plummets on policy failures
On the first anniversary of the black-red coalition government, Henning Höne, chair of the North Rhine-Westphalia FDP, launched a sharp attack on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He accused the CDU leader of failing to deliver on key promises while pushing policies more aligned with the left. Höne criticised Merz’s leadership as 'extremely poor' and urged him to reconsider his approach. The FDP figure also highlighted the coalition’s declining popularity, which he claimed had fallen faster than that of the previous traffic-light government at the same stage.
The health insurance reform came under particular fire. Höne argued that the proposed changes would increase costs for both workers and businesses, worsening financial pressures. He also pointed to broader economic struggles as the country’s 'biggest problem area' right now. Beyond policy critiques, Höne called for faster progress on long-delayed reforms. He accused the government of neglecting existing plans and abandoning free-market principles in favour of Social Democratic-style policies. His remarks come ahead of the FDP’s leadership contest at the end of May, where Höne will stand as a candidate.
Höne’s criticism adds pressure on Merz as the coalition faces growing dissatisfaction. With economic concerns mounting and reform plans stalled, the FDP’s leadership race could shape the party’s direction in the coming months. The chancellor’s policies and leadership style now face renewed scrutiny from within the governing alliance.
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