Germany vs. EU: Merz and von der Leyen in Power Struggle

Tensions are brewing between Germany and the European Union over the right to make key decisions. This power struggle, unfolding between Berlin and Brussels, threatens to surface at a time when the European Union is trying to show unity in the face of many external challenges.

At the center of this confrontation are two powerful political figures: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is increasingly adopting a more decisive stance, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was previously Merz's intra-party rival in the ranks of the German conservatives. Their past political rivalry is now taking on a new manifestation at the pan-European level.

Friedrich Merz does not hide his dissatisfaction and openly criticizes Ursula von der Leyen's policies in a number of key areas. Among them are trade, the EU budget, "green" policy, and defense. The German Chancellor is demanding an end to what he considers excessive interference by Brussels, to the detriment of the competencies of national governments.

In essence, this is a struggle over who should set the "rules of the game" in the European Union: the national capitals or the central structures of the EU. Merz is striving to restore the decisive role of national governments, and first and foremost, Germany, as the largest economy in the EU. He is against the centralized model of governance, which, in his opinion, is promoted by the European Commission led by von der Leyen.

This competition is not only personal or political in nature, but is also a serious test for the entire leadership of the European Union. This is a dangerous situation for the European family, especially considering the current active developments and the security threats facing Europe from different sectors.