Friedrich Merz Faces Backlash Over Remarks Criticizing Left-Wing Politics

The SPD accuses the CDU's chancellor candidate of divisive rhetoric after controversial comments at a campaign event in Munich.

Friedrich Merz, the CDU's chancellor candidate, declared an end to 'left-wing politics' during a campaign event in Munich, stating that there is no longer a left-wing majority in Germany.
Merz's remarks included criticism of 'green and left-wing radicals,' which he described as out of touch with the majority of the population.
SPD leaders, including Lars Klingbeil and Matthias Miersch, condemned Merz's statements, accusing him of deepening societal divisions and likening his rhetoric to that of Donald Trump.
Miersch criticized Merz for dismissing the concerns of millions of citizens, calling his comments demagogic and unbefitting of a candidate aspiring to unite the country.
The controversy arises as thousands of people demonstrated against right-wing extremism in cities like Hamburg and Freiburg on the same day as Merz's speech.