Chancellor Merz’s conservative-left coalition faces growing internal divisions after first 100 days in office, with economic policy, Germany's stance on Gaza emerging as major points of contention, according to SETA Berlin Research Director Erkut Ayvaz
Germany's new coalition government has managed to navigate differences on various domestic and international issues during its first 100 days.
But it may face growing rifts in the coming months, according to a foreign policy expert on Monday.
Erkut Ayvaz, research director at SETA Berlin, told Anadolu that economic policy, social spending and Germany's position on the conflict in the Gaza Strip are major sources of tension between Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and their coalition partner, the Social Democrats (SPD).
"When the new coalition government was formed by the CDU/CSU and the SPD in May, the parties promised to establish a more effective government, avoiding the internal disputes that plagued the previous three-party coalition," he explained.
Ayvaz said, however, that the volatility of the new coalition government became evident from day one, as Merz became Germany's leader on May 6 only after a second round of voting in parliament, when he unexpectedly failed to secure enough support during the first ballot.
The expert highlighted that Merz's CDU/CSU bloc and their coalition partner, the Social Democrats, have faced multiple disagreements in recent months, including economic policy, plans to reduce electricity taxes, the proposed phase-out of petrol and diesel cars from 2035, and most recently, the selection of a new judge for Germany's highest court.
"Although the coalition has established a common perspective on key issues—such as economic measures to reduce burdens on German companies and stimulate economic revival—concerns are growing that disagreements in the coming months could even endanger the coalition. The ongoing tensions might lead to the postponement or even cancellation of some planned initiatives," said Ayvaz.
He said foreign policy issues, especially Germany's policy toward Israel and its response to the Gaza crisis, could become a flashpoint for the coalition government. An increasing number of SPD politicians are calling for a firmer stance and greater pressure on the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"Despite some recent changes in the coalition government's statements regarding Israel's military campaign on Gaza, the government's overall passive stance and failure to develop an active policy is causing unrest and disagreements within the coalition," said Ayvaz.
"Especially within the left wing of the SPD, the Social Democrats, there have been calls for a stronger voice and for adopting a more active position," he added.
