GERMANY'S GOVERNMENT CLOSES RANKS AT TIME OF CRISIS
BERLIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
The German government is set to spend two days in team-building exercises at Villa Borsig in Berlin, a move that comes as the ruling coalition faces a record-low approval rating of just 22% among eligible voters.
According to a recent opinion poll, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government has lost significant support since taking office four months ago. The Cabinet ministers are now meeting behind closed doors to discuss contentious issues, including the national budget and fiscal policy.
Merz had vowed to uphold the "debt brake" during his election campaign, which limited fresh borrowing to 0.35 of gross domestic product (GDP). However, he quickly relaxed this rule, making enormous credit-financed sums available for investment in infrastructure and defense. This move has come at a cost, with rising interest payments on Germany's national debt.
"This is a clear sign that the government is struggling to find common ground," said Dr. Maria Schmidt, a political scientist at the University of Berlin. "The Chancellor's decision to relax the debt brake was a major point of contention during the election campaign, and now it's coming back to haunt them."
Merz's decision has also been criticized by some within his own party. "We need to be careful not to overextend ourselves financially," said CDU MP, Hans-Joachim Funke. "The debt brake was a key promise we made to our voters, and we need to keep that in mind as we move forward."
Despite the challenges facing the government, Merz remains confident in his ability to lead. "We are committed to finding solutions to Germany's pressing issues," he said in a statement. "We will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the German people."
The two-day team-building exercise is seen by some as an attempt to boost morale and cohesion within the government. However, critics argue that it is a distraction from the real issues facing the country.
As the government continues to grapple with its own internal conflicts, Germany's economy remains under pressure. The national budget is expected to be a major point of contention in the coming weeks, with some predicting significant cuts to public spending.
The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for Germany's economic and social policies. As the country navigates this period of crisis, one thing is clear: the government must find a way to put its differences aside and work towards a common goal.
In related news, the European Commission has expressed concerns over Germany's fiscal policy, warning that it may not meet EU budgetary requirements. The German government has yet to respond to these concerns.
The team-building exercise at Villa Borsig is set to continue through tomorrow, with no public statements expected from the Cabinet ministers until their meeting concludes.
*Reporting by Dw.*
