Merz und die Wut der Basis

CDU leader Friedrich Merz faces a critical meeting with his party's district chairmen, the most skeptical official voices within the party, following painful election defeats. The encounter highlights the growing tension between the Berlin political establishment and the grassroots base. Analyst Rasmus Buchsteiner examines how much pressure is mounting behind closed doors on the chancellor and whether he can regain the trust of his own party members. The piece is part of a 200-second interview format. Key questions going forward include whether Merz can stabilize his leadership position and how the CDU base will respond to his efforts to reconnect with the party's rank and file.