Friedrich Merz: His Long Path to Power
Episode 6: "Breaking Taboos"
Friedrich Merz has broken a political taboo in his campaign for the Chancellorship. A motion he proposed narrowly passed in the Bundestag, with support from the far-right AfD party. Reactions in Germany have been divided.
Damineh Vaezpour’s Nightmare
Damineh Vaezpour, a German-Iranian woman from Berlin, sees Merz in her nightmares. She accuses him of tearing down the firewall between his party and the AfD.
Rolf Schiller’s Belief
Rolf Schiller from Ravensburg, who has always voted for the SPD or Green parties, believes Merz acted correctly and is the right leader for the country at this time.
Polarization and Provocation
Friedrich Merz polarizes and provokes. His actions and statements have drawn both praise and criticism. Some view him as a dangerous figure who is eroding democratic norms, while others see him as a strong and decisive leader who is willing to break with the past.
A Taboo Broken
Merz’s motion, which called for a stricter approach to immigration, received support from the AfD. This was a significant departure from the established practice of German political parties avoiding any association with the far-right party.
Mixed Reactions
The response to Merz’s move has been mixed. Some have condemned him for legitimizing the AfD, while others have praised him for taking a tough stance on immigration. The debate has highlighted the deep divisions within German society over issues such as immigration and national identity.
Vaezpour’s Fears
Vaezpour, a human rights activist, fears that Merz’s actions will embolden the AfD and lead to a rise in racism and xenophobia in Germany. She believes that his rhetoric and policies are creating a climate of fear and division.
Schiller’s Hope
Schiller, a retired engineer, believes that Merz is a strong leader who is not afraid to make tough decisions. He believes that Merz’s policies will help to secure Germany’s future and protect its values.
The Future of German Politics
The outcome of the German federal election in 2021 will determine whether Merz will become the next Chancellor. His path to power has been marked by controversy, but he has also gained a significant following. The election will be a test of whether Germany is ready for a change in direction or whether it will continue on its current path.
Additional Information
- The full podcast series, "Friedrich Merz: Sein langer Weg zur Macht" (Friedrich Merz: His Long Path to Power), is available on ZEIT ONLINE.
- For feedback or suggestions, email [email protected]
- Research and script for Episode 6: Pia Rauschenberger and Jannis Carmesin
- Editors: Ole Pflüger, Constanze Kainz, Mounia Meiborg
- Host: Constanze Kainz
- Editorial support: Benjamin Probst
- Production and sound design: Paula Georgi and Militsa Tekelieva, Pool Artists
- Additional sound design: Joscha Grunewald
