(de-news.net) – Former Chancellor Angela Merkel defended the record of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, arguing that it has already taken significant policy actions and rejecting claims of inactivity. While expressing confidence in the administration’s reform capacity, she cautioned against unrealistic expectations, emphasized the long-term nature of political change, and argued that public criticism is an inherent aspect of political leadership.
Angela Merkel, the longtime former German head of government, has called for greater patience and tolerance toward Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration, arguing that claims of policy paralysis do not accurately reflect the government’s record to date. According to comments cited by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, she maintained that the coalition has already achieved a number of substantive policy steps, including the approval of budgets, the adoption of important decisions relating to infrastructure and defense spending, and the introduction of notable measures in policy areas such as pensions. In Merkel’s assessment, these actions demonstrate that meaningful governmental activity has taken place despite criticism to the contrary. She also characterized the ongoing debate surrounding health-care reform as constructive and moving in a positive direction.
At the same time, Merkel emphasized the importance of maintaining realistic expectations regarding what any government can accomplish. She warned against creating standards of performance that exceed practical political capacities, arguing that such an approach can ultimately prove counterproductive. Reflecting on her own years in office, Merkel contended that social media played a significant role in making political discourse more volatile and fast-moving. Within such an environment, she suggested, the temptation to make promises that cannot ultimately be fulfilled carries substantial risks for public confidence. She acknowledged that she had made comparable mistakes herself and presented this observation as a lesson drawn from political experience.
Merkel backs reform drive while emphasizing limits of politics
When asked about the administration’s reform agenda, Merkel expressed confidence in its ability to carry out the adjustments and reforms that will be required. At the same time, she stressed that the government itself continues to recognize the scale and complexity of the challenges that remain unresolved. While making clear that she did not intend to interfere in current policymaking, she argued that it is unrealistic to expect all major problems to be addressed at once, particularly during a period of rapid technological transformation. In her view, developments associated with artificial intelligence are reshaping society at a pace that inevitably generates new questions and pressures for policymakers. Against this backdrop, she maintained that politics should be understood as a continuous and evolving process rather than as a mechanism capable of delivering definitive and final solutions to every challenge.
Responding to Merz’s complaints about hostility and personal attacks on social media, Merkel reportedly observed that the office of chancellor inevitably combines both rewarding experiences and difficult burdens. According to her assessment, the position includes not only opportunities and positive moments but also challenges that must be endured as part of the responsibilities associated with political leadership.
Audio: TTSFree
