Merz under pressure in Germany as von der Leyen sets EU course in Strasbourg

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing pressure from within his own party. The upcoming state election in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is being watched as a potential indirect test of confidence for the CDU presidium, depending on the outcome. To regain the initiative, Merz reportedly intends to go on the offensive on sensitive issues such as fuel prices and pension reform. He has also cancelled a planned trip to New York, choosing instead to use the time to meet with CDU state premiers in an effort to bring them behind his political course.

Von der Leyen's Strasbourg address

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the Union speech in Strasbourg. She faced a difficult balancing act, caught between demands from Manfred Weber, leader of her own European People's Party group, and pressure from both the political right and left, requiring her to set new priorities in the address. The speech also touched on tougher trade policy measures being prepared against China, as well as a planned major expansion of the Frontex border agency that is expected to shape the ongoing debate over migration.

Berlin's election contest

Ahead of Berlin's upcoming House of Representatives election, Elif Eralp, the Left Party's lead candidate, outlined her ambitions to move into the Rotes Rathaus, the seat of the city's governing mayor. She is campaigning for the socialization of housing, putting her directly at odds with SPD lead candidate Steffen Krach. Eralp also addressed how she intends to build a coalition despite policy disagreements and resistance within her own party.