Merz Grades Government 'Satisfactory' - Friedrich Merz reflects on rocky start and bold welfare reforms
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reflected on his first months in office, grading his administration as satisfactory with a positive outlook. While he avoids judging his work by short-term highs and lows, he acknowledged that some areas are progressing well. His leadership, however, faced an early setback during his own election as chancellor in May 2025.
The most difficult moment of Merz's chancellorship came on May 6, 2025, when the first round of voting for his election failed. He secured the position only in the second round. Despite this rocky start, his position within the CDU remained strong—he was re-elected as party leader in January 2026 with 91.2% support.
On **January 15, 2026**, the Bundestag held its first reading of the coalition's key reforms, including the controversial **Bürgergeld-to-Grundsicherungsgeld** overhaul. The black-red government (CDU/CSU-SPD) defended stricter sanctions and cuts as necessary, arguing they would improve the system. Opposition parties, including the Greens and the Left, condemned the plans as a *social rollback* and *populist nonsense*, accusing the coalition of misleading claims about savings. Welfare groups also criticised the reforms, warning that **5.182 million recipients** would face reductions. The legislation is now on track for approval, with changes set to take effect on **July 1, 2026**. When asked about his cabinet, Merz described it as *adequate with promising prospects*—a measured assessment as his government pushes forward with its agenda.
Merz's early months have been marked by both political challenges and strong party backing. The welfare reforms remain a flashpoint, with sharp divisions in parliament and warnings from advocacy groups. The government now moves toward implementing its policies, with the first major changes expected by mid-2026.
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