Merz attends Arctic summit as coalition wobbles back home

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has traveled to an Arctic summit in Finland to present the European Union's strategy for the region, even as his coalition government in Berlin struggles through what is described as one of the toughest crises of his chancellorship so far. According to Politico journalists tracking the events, Merz's political support has diminished dramatically, and he appears visibly weakened despite trying to project European solidarity and strength on the international stage.

Despite the physical distance to Lapland, the turmoil unfolding in Berlin continues to follow the chancellor even at the summit. Amid the crisis, senior coalition figures have been working to address speculation about the coalition's stability.

CSU leader weighs in

Alexander Hoffmann, leader of the Christian Social Union's (CSU) regional group and first deputy leader of the joint Union parliamentary faction, addressed in an interview just how much backing Merz still commands within the coalition. He was also asked about persistent rumors concerning a possible removal of Social Democratic (SPD) Labor Minister Bärbel Bas — a question pointing to tensions both between and within the coalition partners.

AfD reinforces pro-Russian stance

Separately from the government crisis, Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has been solidifying its foreign policy line on Russia, reportedly seeking counsel from a figure who has previously described himself as a so-called "Putin understander." Pauline von Pezold, co-host of Politico's "Inside AfD" podcast, notes that the pro-Russian wing within the AfD's parliamentary group is regaining dominance.

Taken together, the developments point to multiple simultaneous pressure points in German politics — from internal strain within the governing coalition to a resurgent pro-Russian faction shaping opposition foreign policy.