FLENSBURG, Germany — As Friedrich Merz emerges as a likely candidate for Germany’s next chancellor, uncertainties regarding the formation of a coalition government are growing increasingly pronounced. During a campaign event on Friday in the northern city of Flensburg, Robert Habeck, the Greens’ chancellor candidate, expressed skepticism about the potential for collaboration between his party and Merz’s conservative alliance following the upcoming election on February 23.
Political tensions rise over far-right support
Habeck noted that the dynamics of working with Merz have become “more complicated” since the conservative alliance’s recent decision to accept support from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in parliament to advance anti-immigration measures. He stated, “If this happens again, it will be difficult to find common ground on this basis.”
This strategic move by Merz’s party has ignited a political firestorm in Berlin, drawing sharp rebukes from leaders within the center-left factions, particularly the Greens and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Habeck, who holds the position of economy minister, condemned Merz’s tactics as a “disqualification” for the chancellorship.
Future coalition possibilities in doubt
In defense of his actions, Merz argued that his party should prioritize the passage of its policies irrespective of the sources of support. Nevertheless, this controversy raises critical questions about the potential coalition partners for Merz’s conservatives following the election. Currently, Merz has dismissed any possibility of forming a coalition with the AfD, narrowing his options to the SPD and the Greens.
Habeck further clarified the Greens’ position, affirming that they would likely reject any coalition with the conservatives if Merz were to once again depend on AfD votes. “Yes, exactly,” Habeck responded when asked about this scenario, which could pose significant challenges for Merz as he navigates post-election negotiations.
Polls indicate Merz’s center-right alliance is currently leading with approximately 30 percent support, outpacing the SPD, the Greens, and the AfD; however, this figure still falls short of a majority. Adding to the complexities, leaders from the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party to Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), have stated they will not consider forming a coalition with the Greens.
This political landscape leaves the SPD as a potential ally, but in a bleak scenario for Merz, he may find himself overseeing a minority government, relying on fluctuating parliamentary alliances to enact legislation—a situation that is quite rare in German politics.