German coalition struggles with perception despite policy wins, CDU admits
Thorsten Frei, head of the German Chancellery and a senior CDU member, has spoken out about the struggles of the governing black-red coalition. He argues that poor poll numbers stem not from policy failures but from weak public communication. His comments come as the coalition faces growing criticism over its performance. Frei pointed to the healthcare reform as proof of the government’s achievements. Though partially rolled out, he claims it shows real progress. Yet he admits many voters remain unaware of such successes.
He dismissed suggestions that Chancellor Friedrich Merz lacks authority against the Social Democrats. Instead, Frei insisted both the CDU/CSU and SPD share equal responsibility for effective governance. Cooperation, he said, does not require agreement on every detail but a focus on major solutions for the country.
The CDU politician also addressed the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). He attributed their strong polling to a public perception that the government’s work is falling short. To counter this, he urged the coalition to shift attention from stylistic debates to substantive issues.
Frei stressed that the CDU must not abandon its core principles. At the same time, he acknowledged common ground with the SPD and called for stronger joint action. Frei’s remarks highlight a gap between policy outcomes and public perception. He insists the government’s record is stronger than voters believe. The challenge now, he says, is to communicate achievements more clearly and unite behind key reforms.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
