Merz Told to Resign by Delegate From His Own Party’s Youth Wing
A CDU youth delegate accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of betraying younger generations over pensions and government debt, urging him to seek his own dismissal.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced a call to resign from a delegate of his own conservative youth wing on Saturday, exposing growing tensions within his party as its support continues to decline.
"If you care so much about your country and your party, get into your official car, drive to the federal president and ask to be dismissed," the delegate said.
He accused Merz of having "effectively led a raid on the younger generation — deliberately or by accident" through his pension policies over the past two years.
The delegate argued that the government had brushed aside the youth organization's objections, raising questions about Merz's commitment to younger generations.
He also questioned whether Merz could still command public confidence, pointing to a survey showing that satisfaction with the chancellor had fallen to just 10%.
"That is Liz Truss level in the final days of her time in office," he said, referring to the former British prime minister, who served just 49 days in 2022.
Merz did not respond to the criticism.
Muted Reaction at CDU Conference
The delegate's intervention drew a restrained response from the audience, with some participants booing his remarks.
Junge Union chairman Johannes Winkel subsequently defended the organization's approach to political disagreement, saying criticism should remain forceful on policy while measured in language.
Winkel also expressed support for Merz, provided the chancellor followed through on his promised reforms.
Pension Reform Remains Divisive
The confrontation followed renewed commitments from Merz to implement proposals from Germany's pension commission.
Among the measures is the disputed elimination of retirement without pension reductions after 45 years of contributions.
The government is expected to approve the reform before the end of 2026, with a final parliamentary vote planned for early 2027.
However, resistance from his SPD coalition partners and members of his own party has cast doubt on whether the reforms will proceed as planned.
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