- Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, changing course as he works to contain an open rebellion of his own party in Berlin.
- Merz's office stated, "Contrary to initial plans, the Chancellor will not travel to New York next week, as his presence in Berlin is required."
- The cancellation comes amid intense discussions about Merz’s political future and a possible change in German leadership following Sunday’s elections.
- CDU is gripped by fear that it may not even make it over the 5% hurdle to enter the state parliament of eastern Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which votes this Sunday.
- The CDU got shellacked by Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, leading to concerns about Merz's leadership.
- Merz had planned to fly to New York on Sept. 22 to receive the Henry Kissinger Prize and address the UN General Assembly.
- Merz's presence at the award ceremony was initially canceled so he could attend a parliamentary group meeting on Sept. 22.
- Merz has scheduled a party leadership meeting on Sunday in hopes of shoring up further support among state leaders.
- Instead of Merz, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will address the United Nations.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's cancellation of his UN trip underscores the political turmoil within his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).1
"Contrary to original plans, he will not travel to New York, since his presence is required in Berlin," a government source stated.
The CDU's recent performance has been dismal, particularly in Saxony-Anhalt, where they were outperformed by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).5
"The CDU got shellacked by Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6," highlighting the party's struggles.
With elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin approaching, there are fears the CDU may not surpass the 5% threshold needed to enter the state parliament.
Internal dissent is growing, with some party members suggesting Merz should resign, although others have rallied to support him.
Merz has scheduled a leadership meeting to consolidate support, as the party braces for potential electoral losses.
"For Merz to fly abroad to accept an award in the midst of his biggest crisis as chancellor would not be good optics," noted political analysts.
Instead of Merz, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will represent Germany at the UN, emphasizing the urgency of the situation at home.9
“The CDU faces potential exclusion from the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania parliament if it falls below the 5% threshold, with internal sources saying some call for Merz to step down. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will address the UN in Merz's place.”
DW.com
politico.eu
