German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the stability of his black-red coalition during an ARD interview with Caren Miosga on Sunday evening (May 3, 2026). He urged the SPD to show compromise and ruled out alternatives like tolerance by the AfD. Merz openly addressed discontent within the Union and the limits of his patience.
Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor for exactly one year, appeared in the ARD studio for an interview with Caren Miosga on Sunday evening. He downplayed tensions with US President Donald Trump and focused on domestic politics. Only 15 percent of citizens are satisfied with the government, figures similar to those of the former traffic-light coalition before its collapse.
Merz admonished his coalition partner SPD: "Compromises are not a one-way street." He demanded the same willingness to compromise from SPD leaders Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas as shown by the Union. "I have no mandate to kill the CDU," Merz said regarding growing discontent in his party and the burdens of governing.
Despite doubts, the Chancellor assured: He seeks "no other majority than black-red." A coalition tolerated by the AfD is "not an option." Businesses, investors, and employees want above all reliable governance in the coming months, Merz emphasized.
The statements will spark debates in Berlin about the coalition's stability and the SPD's role.
