Supporters of Friedrich Merz argue that the current criticism is blown out of proportion and that he remains the best person to lead the CDU through a difficult transition. They emphasize that Merz brings decades of political and business experience, giving him a clear vision for the party's economic and conservative agenda. The internal unrest, they say, is driven by a vocal minority and does not reflect the broader membership.
Merz's backers point to his role in sharpening the CDU's opposition to the government's policies on taxes, energy, and migration. They argue that the party needs a strong, unmistakable leader to differentiate itself from the SPD and Greens. Without Merz, the CDU would risk falling into factional infighting without a clear alternative candidate.
Moreover, defenders note that the CDU has been steadily recovering in national polls after a low point in 2023. They attribute state election losses to nationwide trends rather than Merz's personal appeal. The leadership debate, they worry, distracts from the party's core message and undermines its unity. The consensus among supporters is that a leadership change now would be premature and disruptive, handing an advantage to the governing coalition.
In this view, the CDU must give Merz time to implement his strategy. The next federal election, likely in 2025, will be the real test. Until then, party discipline and support for the elected leader are paramount. The alternative—a hurried succession—could lead to more instability and further electoral decline.