Merz at the CDU party conference in Stuttgart.Image: keystone
Feb 20, 2026, 1:37 p.mFeb 20, 2026, 1:37 p.m
The German Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz has defended himself against criticism that he had set goals that were too ambitious after taking over government in May 2025.
“Over the past few months, I have been told and reproached again and again that I had promised goals that were too ambitious,” said Merz at the CDU party conference in Stuttgart in the state of Baden-Württemberg, where a new regional parliament will be elected on March 8th. He added: “Perhaps we did not make it clear quickly enough after the change of government that we would not be able to achieve this huge reform effort overnight” – he accepted this criticism.
The CDU, along with its Bavarian sister party CSU and the Social Democrats of the SPD, form the current German government. There is a lot of criticism internally but also outside the CDU that Merz is making too many concessions to the SPD.
In reality, it’s a completely different question, Merz continued and asked: “Don’t there have to be someone on the bridge who drives, who encourages, who encourages, who names new opportunities and possibilities as well as obstacles, resistance and old habits that stand in our way.” This is how he understands his role in the government.
Merz: Germany has to be at its best
“I don’t just want to moderate. I don’t just want to proclaim the lowest common denominator as our biggest goal,” said Merz. “I want to drive us, I want to set ambitious goals for us, I want to motivate us – yes, I want to motivate us to achieve top performance.” To widespread applause, the Chancellor shouted: “Germany must be at its best.”
Merz said he believes in the positive power of such a vision. “I say what works – and don’t constantly say what doesn’t work. I want to build up – and not let pessimism, fatalism and laziness in thinking drag me down.” He added: “We don’t have time for that anymore, it’s a waste of time.” (pre/sda)