Overview

• Friedrich Merz is facing mounting criticism within the CDU for abandoning key campaign promises, including fiscal discipline, during coalition talks with the SPD.
• The CDU's poll numbers have dropped to 24%, tying with the far-right AfD, sparking concerns about voter dissatisfaction and the party's future direction.
• The Junge Union has issued ultimatums, demanding stricter migration controls, tax reforms, and a focus on younger generations in the coalition agreement.
• Party members have expressed frustration over the SPD's perceived dominance in negotiations, warning that the coalition agreement lacks a clear CDU identity.
• Internal communication failures during the negotiations have exacerbated tensions, with some members questioning Merz's leadership and strategy.