Gormer Chancellor Angela Merkel says she thinks people need to have patience with the coalition government, amid widespread dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, Germany's men are celebrating Father's Day. DW has the latest.
Merkel advised Chancellor Friedrich Merz to show "a generous spirit" towards coalition partners Men across Germany are taking to the streets to celebrate Father's Day with friends Here are the latest stories that Germany is talking about on Thursday, May 14, 2026: Skip next section Merkel advises 'fearless' approach toward Trump 05/14/2026 May 14, 2026 Merkel advises 'fearless' approach toward Trump Merkel in a photograph that became famous, with other world leaders including Trump. FILE: 09.06.2018.
The government's approval ratings, however, have steadily declined since it took office just over a year ago. In some recent surveys, more than 80% of respondents in some polls expressed dissatisfaction with its work.
Merkel, who served as chancellor from 2005 to 2021, did not want to comment in detail on the policies of the Union-SPD coalition. But she stressed: "I wish this government success." "Every citizen should, with moderation and balance — those were always my favorite words — try to appreciate what the government has already achieved," the former CDU chairwoman told the news magazine Focus. "It is not as though nothing at all has happened." Merkel also urged greater tolerance of debates within government. "Today, every debate is immediately described as 'infighting,'" Merkel said in comments to the Focus news magazine. "I believe politicians must make clear that there is no solution-finding process that does not involve some kind of debate." She also advised current Chancellor Friedrich Merz to show "a generous spirit" toward his conservative bloc's coalition partners, the center-left Social Democrats.
You join us on German Father's Day, when men across the nation are expected to celebrate fatherhood by leaving their families behind to go and drink with friends.
Meanwhile, former Chancellor Angela Merkel has been chatting to a popular news magazine about politics and personal life.
Stick with us for these and other stories that Germany is talking about.
