"But the party congress comes as Merz faces pressure over a limping economy, poor personal approval ratings and the sustained threat of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of several regional elections. A barometer of the party's mood at the national congress in the southern city of Stuttgart will be whether Merz gets re-elected as party chief with the customary result in the 90 percent range, or less."
"At the time, Merz boldly vowed to revitalise the stagnating economy, limit irregular migration, rearm Germany to deter Russia, and strengthen Germany's role in the world. On the global stage, Merz has indeed made a splash, taking a lead role on supporting Ukraine, stepping up NATO defence spending and maintaining dialogue with volatile US President Donald Trump."
"A year after his election win, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a congress of his conservative party Friday, bruised by low popularity ratings, unmet campaign promises and pressure from the far right. Among the high-profile guests at the CDU party congress for the first time in years will be his predecessor and long-time party rival Angela Merkel."
Friedrich Merz confronts a pivotal CDU congress one year after his election while enduring low approval, unmet campaign pledges and pressure from the anti-immigration AfD. Angela Merkel will attend as a high-profile guest. Merz aims to steer the Christian Democratic Union back to conservative policies and reverse Merkel's more liberal immigration legacy. He governs in coalition with the SPD and pledged economic revitalisation, migration limits, rearmament and a stronger international role. Internationally he has backed Ukraine and boosted NATO defence spending, but domestic growth remains weak and business leaders call for genuine reform.
Read at The Local Germany
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