Merz’s Next Test Is to Win Over German Conservative Skeptics

Friedrich Merz is facing a critical moment in his bid to become German chancellor, as disgruntled fellow conservatives worry he’s making too many concessions.

After caving in to demands from the Social Democrats — his prospective ruling partner — and the Greens to secure a landmark spending package last week, his allies in the Christian Democratic Union are demanding Merz take a harder line in coalition negotiations.