Opposition leaders, including SPD's Robert Habeck, have accused Merz of breaching political norms, questioning his suitability for the chancellorship due to perceived dishonesty.

The CDU's proposals include financial relief for citizens, such as reducing electricity taxes and lowering VAT in restaurants, aiming to address economic challenges.

On February 2, 2025, tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Germany, responding to a contentious vote in the Bundestag that involved the CDU, CSU, and AfD regarding migration policy.

The demonstration, organized under the slogan 'Uprising of the Decent – We are the Firewall!', aimed to oppose political alliances with the far-right AfD party, particularly in light of recent legislative attempts supported by the Union party and its candidate Friedrich Merz.

Attendees carried signs with messages such as 'Fritz, stop it, Mom' and 'It's 5 to 1933', reflecting deep concerns about the rise of authoritarianism.

Robert Habeck, the Green party's chancellor candidate, seeks to attract former Merkel voters by positioning himself as a centrist alternative, emphasizing stability and balanced governance.

In his speech, Merz referenced historical CDU leaders while stressing the importance of national security and economic competitiveness amidst threats from Russia.

The party's agenda promises economic relief, a shift in asylum policy, and the repeal of laws enacted by the current coalition government, reflecting a significant political shift.

Merz acknowledged Merkel's discomfort with the vote but emphasized the Union's commitment to finding solutions within the democratic center.

Despite the backlash, public criticism of Merz has been relatively limited, with only a few party leaders openly opposing him, while Angela Merkel has also voiced her disapproval.

International reactions to Merz's actions have been critical, with Austrian and Italian media highlighting concerns that his approach may dismantle the political center in Germany.

Palmer emphasized the need for democratic parties to engage with one another to secure majorities without relying on AfD votes, which he considers both honorable and necessary.