Overview

• In a CDU.TV interview published Friday, Merz said decisions were substantively correct but the government's public presentation fell short.
• He cited his rapid move to restrict certain arms deliveries to Israel, saying he should have informed the parliamentary group, the party and the public more promptly.
• On energy policy, he said limiting electricity‑tax relief at this stage was the right call but conceded it was poorly communicated after earlier coalition signals.
• Parts of the Union, especially the CSU, complained they were not consulted on the Israel decision, and reporting says it remains unclear with whom Merz coordinated beforehand.
• He urged the government to highlight results such as falling asylum applications and cautioned that economic gains will take longer as Europe still relies on U.S. support to pressure Russia.