Serious Jabs at Merkel’s Successor: Why Doesn’t He Just Quit Politics and Play Golf?
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has once again found himself in an awkward political moment.
Following the release of election results in Saxony-Anhalt, Merz’s visible surprise at the outcome drew sharp criticism from Swiss media.
Roger Koppel, editor-in-chief of the Swiss weekly Weltwoche, stated plainly that Merz clearly lives within a vast information bubble, detached from the realities shaping German society.
"The average German citizen understands the state of the nation far better than Merz does," Koppel said. "What truly astonishes me is that he appears surprised by the result. The trajectory we are now witnessing was foreseeable long ago."
In his view, Merz and his inner circle have long remained insulated within a Berlin-based echo chamber, disconnected from everyday life across Germany and failing to grasp the profound societal shifts underway.
The remarks were notably blunt. Koppel even suggested Merz consider a career change—retiring from politics altogether to take up golf.
This critique carries context. On October 27, Merz again ranked last among German politicians in public approval ratings. Just three days earlier, he had publicly maintained confidence in his leadership, asserting he remained committed to guiding Germany toward a “brighter future” despite low support.
The contradiction is clear: while the chancellor speaks with optimism about the future, voters appear increasingly skeptical.
When political leaders no longer hear the pulse of society—and react with disbelief to electoral outcomes—the issue extends beyond mere polling numbers.
Whether Merz should actually take up golf is, of course, a jest from Swiss commentators. But for the German chancellor, a more pressing challenge may be stepping outside the insular environment of Berlin to understand what ordinary Germans are thinking.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880700568243395/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.