Backlash grows within conservative ranks as far-right AfD surges past German chancellor in polls

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing acute political pressure following a contentious cabinet reshuffle that triggered widespread friction within his conservative ranks.

The internal discord comes at a critical juncture, as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) pulls ahead in national opinion polls ahead of key regional elections in September.

The shake-up was prompted by the abrupt departure of party heavyweight Jens Spahn over his decision to have a child via surrogacy abroad, a practice banned in Germany and previously opposed by Spahn himself.

Merz appointed his chief of staff, Thorsten Frei, to replace Spahn as leader of the conservative parliamentary group, whilst moving Health Minister Nina Warken into the chancellery.

However, additional dismissals, including Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder and junior minister Tino Sorge, provoked sharp backlash from party members in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony-Anhalt, who accused Merz of poor communication and unfair treatment.

With approval ratings for the CDU/CSU alliance slipping to 21% behind the AfD’s 27%, the upcoming state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern present a formidable test.

Merz has urged patience, predicting internal tempers will cool before parliament reconvenes in September.

However, growing discontent within the coalition leaves the chancellor in a precarious position as he attempts to push forward economic and social reforms.