Politics · Germany · 1 day ago
Seehofer says Merz has lost public trust over unfulfilled promises
Horst Seehofer, a former Bavarian premier and senior figure in the Christian Social Union, has criticised Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the governing Union parties in Germany.
He says Merz has lost public trust by breaking campaign promises, including a pledge to cut electricity tax for everyone.
Seehofer argues that the government should act faster and rely less on expert commissions.
He also says rising debts, taxes, rents and energy costs are putting pressure on households, while small pay rises are reduced by a tax effect known as cold progression.
He objects to claims that people in Germany work too little or take too much sick leave, saying such statements ignore workers’ experiences.
Seehofer also criticised the Social Democrats’ talks about a possible coalition with the Left, warning that political standards could be weakened.
He called for a change in direction but did not set out a specific next step.
Former Bavarian minister-president Horst Seehofer says Chancellor Friedrich Merz has lost public trust by breaking election promises.
Seehofer points to a promised cut in electricity tax that he says has not happened.
He calls for faster government action and fewer expert commissions.
He says rising debt, taxes, rents and energy costs are putting pressure on households.
Seehofer also criticises rhetoric that Germans work too little and take too much sick leave.
- Who
- Horst Seehofer, former Bavarian minister-president and CSU honorary chairman, criticised Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- What
- Seehofer said Merz had suffered a major loss of credibility because of broken election promises.
- When
- 10 October 2026.
- Where
- Munich, according to Bild’s report.
- Why
- Seehofer said unfulfilled promises, including a promised electricity-tax cut, had undermined trust in Merz.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Friedrich Merz has suffered a massive loss of credibility by breaking election promises.
We need much more speed and much less self-preoccupation.
The trust in authentic action is the most important variable in politics. Merz does not have it.
What people need is real relief.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Speaker
- Horst Seehofer
- Criticised
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- Promised measure
- A cut in electricity tax for everyone
- Publication date
- 10 October 2026
Sources
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