Overview
- In an ARD audience program, Friedrich Merz said he would handle his 'Stadtbild' remark differently today and conceded a communication mistake.
- He argued that resolving practical problems would deprive the AfD of its political basis.
- Recent commentary notes the Union’s polling remains weak nationwide with the AfD in front and Merz’s ratings lagging those of recent predecessors at a similar point in office.
- Party voices and commentators welcome the admission yet press for concrete economic and migration outcomes with five state elections due next year.
- The dispute follows criticism of Merz’s earlier remark about Belém, prompting renewed calls inside the CDU to emphasize substance over irritations.