Friedrich Merz is the new foreign minister, domestic policy is not his thing
The German Chancellor has declared foreign policy a top priority. But who actually takes care of domestic affairs? A column.
When personal hunches and predictions come true, reality sometimes surprises you. From my experience with Friedrich Merz, it quickly became clear to me that his real, genuine interest lies in foreign policy. However, I hadn't expected the new German Chancellor to act as his own foreign minister and leave German domestic policy to others.
The famous sociologist Max Weber spoke of the "passion" that binds a politician to their profession, usually leading them to excel in one area in particular. And the new Chancellor has all the prerequisites to conduct his foreign policy almost entirely on his own: He speaks English and German, has an "impeccable international presence" in every arena, and can be charming and humorous. But above all: he has his own, shall I say – Sauerland-like – will to power and assertiveness. Prerequisites, in other words, that, despite many domestic political twists and turns, have nevertheless propelled him to the long-desired top position in German politics. He even knows, as he admitted in internal discussions, that as a giant, he always has to be careful in photos that his international colleagues don't look too small next to him.
And there's a second, important reason for pursuing one's own foreign policy vigorously. The current global situation is such that Europe, in particular, needs strong leadership. Olaf Scholz's foreign policy record, aside from his famous "Zeitenwende" speech shortly after the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict, is little left. Scholz couldn't get along with Macron; he didn't lead Europe and didn't create any helpful alliances. Scholz only got along well with former US President Biden, but the American is now also sad history.
It is precisely this "power vacuum" that Friedrich Merz now aims to fill; he wants to unite Europe, the highly divided continent, into a single bastion. Because Putin can never be trusted, and because Trump is equally undependable. But reliability and trust are precisely the cornerstones of successful foreign policy. Merz's initial meetings with European heads of state and also with the President of Ukraine point in this direction. Merz's desire to shape foreign policy goes so far that he displayed great self-confidence during his recent visit to the Oval Office. He was allowed to speak little, which was not particularly noticeable with the "first-person shooter" Trump. However, he made it clear that under his leadership, Europe, and especially Germany, will play a key role. The relationship with the mercurial and erratic president seems good for the beginning; Merz demonstrated all the diplomatic skills that he so often lacks in domestic politics.
Big question marks remain on the issue of Ukraine, as it's still unclear how the murderous war will actually be ended with ever-increasing military support. Where, please, is the post-war plan? There's a huge vacuum, from both politicians.
With the ever-friendly Johann Wadephul from Husum, Merz has brought in a deeply loyal and educated foreign minister, who is, of course, "his master's voice." People in political Berlin are currently asking behind closed doors why the charming gentleman from the far north is even needed, since "Friedrich does everything himself anyway." But Wadephul is a quiet, distinguished, and valuable planner. Thus, he maintained all dignity when he received a nearly 30-minute audience with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in preparation for his boss's visit to the USA. The quiet man simply smiled away this rudeness, this diplomatic "no go," and said: "It was an interesting, short conversation." Just imagine if Annalena Baerbock were still at the Foreign Office and at the same time ranting about values-based foreign policy. Merz, who can certainly be impulsive, would have been more than enraged.
Merz therefore has no reason to fear any opposition in his government's foreign policy. The danger, however, that is always lurking, lies within himself. Often, all too often, he makes observations, assertions, and explanations, only to rectify everything a little later or—worse still—have it rectified. The issue of the Taurus delivery is just one, but extremely important, topic. For him, politics is ultimately a "passion," and he cannot be a sober, automaton like Scholz or even the Federal President.
Who actually determines German domestic policy?And his very strong work, which is almost exclusively focused on foreign policy, presents the Union with another important challenge. Who actually determines domestic policy in Germany? Political observers are certainly now turning their attention to the new Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt. He is a master of intrigue like no other; he very skillfully led the negotiations for the new government behind the scenes to success. But he is no people pleaser; as Transport Minister, he was unpopular with his staff. He is said to act "autistically" and out of touch. Accordingly, he will not be the loud voice of the Union, and when he does become one and talks about "deporting migrants," most people don't take him seriously anyway. Katharina Reiche, Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy, originally from Luckenwalde, is inclined to make public appearances, but has yet to prove herself on the topic. Much more exciting is the theory currently being heard from the SPD: Lars Klingbeil, the election loser who has risen like a phoenix from the ashes, could set the domestic political tone as Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister, as well as master of the bloated budget. And perhaps even more interesting to me is the persona of Bärbel Bas. She often leaves the party grumpy, but she has no reason to be: Persistent, clever, and determined, the Duisburg native has fought her way through life, a "hard worker," as they say in the Ruhr region, who resonates with people. She completed vocational school and learned welding through her second education. She gained important experience in social services and with company health insurance funds. As President of the German Bundestag from 2021 to 2025, she acted very prudently. The MSV Duisburg supporter is considered relaxed, and internally she is even described as "downright cool." Now she is a minister in one of the most important decision-making agencies: the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. It's no wonder that the SPD wants to promote Bärbel Bas to chairwoman of their party at the party conference in Berlin at the end of June. After several unfortunate decisions at this point, this election would be a win for the badly battered comrades. Friedrich Merz, therefore, despite his understandable inclination toward global politics, must not lose sight of domestic policy. One thing is certain when it comes to major political elections: They are only won when the population at home experiences direct improvement. There is still a long way to go before that happens.
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