CDU leader Friedrich Merz has urged Chancellor Olaf Scholz to initiate a confidence vote to pave the way for snap elections, according to Spiegel and DIE ZEIT. In a ZDF interview. Merz said Scholz must hold a Vertrauensfrage,Article 68 of the German Basic Law—immediately, arguing there is no justification for delaying it until January; Merz stated that only after the vote would the CDU consider supporting any remaining legislative agenda from the outgoing government.

Merz on Trump and German foreign policy

Merz has also outlined his foreign policy approach to potential U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for Germany to assert its interests on the global stage. In an interview with Stern, Merz said Germany must transition from a “sleeping middle power” to a “leading middle power.” He cited potential deals such as purchasing F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. but insisted on reciprocal benefits, such as maintenance work being done in Germany.

Merz criticized the current government for not preparing for Trump’s potential return to the White House. He claimed the Federal Foreign Office had taken an overly one-sided position in favor of Kamala Harris, a move he believes will result in the current administration being ignored by the incoming Trump government.

Merz rejects constructive vote of no confidence

In the ARD-Brennpunkt program, he said such a move was not currently an option, as he saw no support for it from the Greens or the FDP. Merz also ruled out a constructive vote of no confidence, in which he would be elected chancellor in place of Scholz. Merz emphasized that Scholz no longer holds a majority in the Bundestag and should not delay the process for new elections.

Merz criticized the failed coalition government (Ampel) for collapsing shortly after its formation in February 2022. He said Scholz was attempting to push through key legislation until Christmas, including reforms on asylum, pensions, taxes, and industry, before initiating the Vertrauensfrage. Merz argued this delay did not serve the public interest, which he claimed wanted a stable government and new elections.

Internal coalition tensions and Merz’s risk

In a meeting on Wednesday, the government was expected to pass controversial reforms on health insurance and the 2027 budget. Merz faces internal pressures as well. However, the CDU-led coalition holds only a narrow 12-seat majority in the Bundestag, raising concerns about potential dissent, particularly among younger lawmakers. If Merz is unsure of his majority on key issues, he may consider linking future votes to a Vertrauensfrage, according to reports in the Berliner Morgenpost and Hamburger Abendblatt.

Such a move would carry significant risks, as it would test whether Merz can still command majority support in the Bundestag. The Vertrauensfrage is a high-stakes tool that could either reinforce his leadership or result in early elections under a different government formation.