Merz failed to do his job, may put his party membership card on the table 0 14

Inside the CDU, debates about the future of Friedrich Merz are intensifying. Against the backdrop of weak government ratings, discussions have begun in Berlin about a possible change of chancellor within the current Bundestag. Is the change of the Chancellor of Germany Merz a real project or just a rumor?

The trigger for this new political discussion was publications in the German media about possible alternatives to Friedrich Merz. The focus of the conversations has been on the Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, writes wirtschaft-tv.

Those around the chancellor reacted unusually harshly. They called such discussions dangerous and accused the participants in the debate of attempting to undermine the political center of Germany.

Particularly harsh comments came from Merz's camp regarding the public discussions of a “backup chancellor.” According to the chancellor's supporters, such debates strengthen the position of the AfD.

This is a sensitive topic for Germany. The AfD has been gaining support in several federal states in recent months, including North Rhine-Westphalia.

Change of leadership: why Wüst is considered a possible candidate

Hendrik Wüst has been regarded as one of the most promising politicians in the CDU for several years. Since 2021, he has been leading the most populous federal state in Germany — North Rhine-Westphalia.

The politician governs the region together with the Greens. In German politics, such a coalition is referred to as “black-green”: the black color is traditionally associated with the CDU.

Within the party, Wüst is seen as a calm and pragmatic politician. Moreover, he knows how to negotiate with various political forces. For part of the CDU, this is an important quality amid the complex coalition negotiations in Berlin.

Who is considered a possible replacement for Merz:

• Hendrik Wüst;
• CSU leader Markus Söder;
• Head of the CDU/CSU faction Jens Spahn.

However, for now, this is only about internal discussions. There are no official plans for a change of chancellor in Germany.

Why the government's position has weakened

Friedrich Merz has been leading the government of Germany since May 2025. His coalition consists of the CDU/CSU and SPD. After coming to power, the conservatives promised to accelerate reforms and restore economic growth. However, many projects are progressing slowly.

Conflicts regularly arise between the CDU/CSU and SPD over migration policy, social spending, and economic issues. At the same time, pressure is mounting from rising prices, a weak economy, and international crises. Against this backdrop, personnel discussions have resumed in German politics.

Changing the Chancellor of Germany Merz: can the Chancellor of Germany be replaced without elections In Germany, the Chancellor cannot be replaced by a simple party decision. The Basic Law of Germany provides for a more complex procedure.

Changing the head of government is only possible in two cases. The first option is the voluntary resignation of the chancellor. The second is a constructive vote of no confidence in the Bundestag.

This is a special procedure of the German political system. Deputies must not only dismiss the chancellor but also simultaneously elect a new head of government by an absolute majority of votes.

What is needed to change the chancellor:

• voluntary departure of Merz;
• support of the majority in the Bundestag;
• agreement of the coalition partner SPD;
• a unified position of the CDU and CSU.

Without the support of the SPD, such a scenario currently seems unlikely.

What Merz himself says

Friedrich Merz does not directly comment on discussions about his possible replacement. During a speech in Arnsberg, he stated that he intends to continue the political course of the government.

The chancellor also emphasized that “Germany is capable of starting a new stage of development.” According to him, the government will continue to work on reforms and the economic renewal of the country.

Nevertheless, the very discussion shows that tension is growing within the CDU. As long as the coalition does not demonstrate quick results, the question of the future leadership of the conservatives is unlikely to disappear from German politics.