Germany’s conservative chancellor, Friedrich Merz, made a plea for the political center to hold firm in the face of a surge in far-right support during a rare appearance at a meeting of his center-left Social Democratic coalition partners.
Politics German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to the media before the SPD Parliamentary Group Meeting in Berlin on May 19.
Photographer: Florian Gaertner/Photothek/Getty Images Contact us: Provide news feedback or report an error Confidential tip?
Send a tip to our reporters Site feedback: Take our Survey New Window By Michael Nienaber May 19, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC Germany’s conservative chancellor, Friedrich Merz , made a plea for the political center to hold firm in the face of a surge in far-right support during a rare appearance at a meeting of his center-left Social Democratic coalition partners.
The Christian Democratic leader joined a gathering of the SPD’s parliamentary caucus group on Wednesday and called for a constructive working relationship as the coalition presses ahead with an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at reviving Europe’s No. 1 economy, according to lawmakers in attendance.
