
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is increasingly facing political weakness due to a lack of popularity and tensions within his CDU party.
According to the daily Bild, closed discussions are taking place within the party among several figures who are even considering the possibility of his removal from the post of chancellor.
Among the names mentioned as possible successors are the Prime Minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, the Prime Minister of the state of Hesse, Boris Rhein, and the Prime Minister of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer.
In Germany, a chancellor cannot be dismissed directly: he can only leave through a constructive vote of no confidence in the Bundestag, which also requires the immediate election of a new chancellor.
Merz, narrowly elected after needing a second round to secure the support of his coalition, is facing growing criticism both domestically and from European partners.
Bild's reports are being taken with caution in Brussels. While they arouse irony in some European political circles, they also increase concern.
The European Union is going through a period of weak leadership, while pressure from anti-European currents supported by both the Trump administration and the Kremlin is increasing.