Can Merz meet expectations? Lecture on the new chancellorship!

Can Merz meet expectations? Lecture on the new chancellorship!

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is being criticized and is being closely watched. On September 24, 2025, he announced that he would make important decisions for Germany in the Bundestag. The challenges are enormous: from pressure on the economic model caused by high energy prices to national security issues, which are also shaped by Russia's war against Ukraine. Merz spoke at the “Autumn of Reforms” about the need for far-reaching reforms in the social system in order to ensure social cohesion and meet the expectations of citizens. The Federal Agency for Civic Education argues that foreign investors should find easier access to invest in Germany through a central contact point.

What exactly is Merz planning? The Chancellor is relying on a stronger defense capability and wants to make the Bundeswehr more attractive through incentives such as voluntary military service. He has also created a National Security Council, which will soon begin work. The migration situation is particularly explosive: Merz is optimistic and reports that access to asylum in August 2025 has fallen by 60 percent compared to the previous year. “We have to have more confidence in politics,” he emphasized.

Digital lecture series on the political situation

In keeping with these developments, a digital series will take place on September 26th with the topic “How does the new Chancellor Friedrich Merz want to lead Germany?” instead of. The lecture, which begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free, will be led by Robin Alexander, deputy editor-in-chief of politics at “Welt”. He analyzes the question of whether Merz can meet the high expectations despite his lack of government experience. Particular attention will be paid to trust in democracy and the fight against extremist forces, which are being put to a new test under Merz.

The Kreisvolkshochschule Saarpfalz-Kreis is organizing this lecture, for which registration is required in order to receive the access data. This creates a space to discuss the current challenges for Germany and the planned solutions.

Opposition reaction

However, there is also a lot of criticism. AfD leader Alice Weidel expressed concerns during the Bundestag debate and described Merz's reform announcements as an "autumn of empty words." The Greens and the Left also taunt the government and emphasize that politics is being made for the wrong people. Even within the SPD there are calls to tax wealth and higher earners more heavily in order to strengthen the welfare state.

So Friedrich Merz has a lot on the table and the coming months will be crucial. “It is up to all of us to support this autumn of reforms,” he appealed to citizens. It remains to be seen whether his plans will come to fruition. The challenges are great and time is short.

For detailed information about the federal government's plans and the current political situation, the Federal Government can be consulted. Current criticism and comments are also processed by tagesschau.de. The pressure to live up to expectations is increasing - both for Merz and for the citizens.