DER SPIEGEL - The German View

DER SPIEGEL - The German View

The Merz Interview: "I Am Dissatisfied with the Prevailing Atmosphere in Germany"

In a wide ranging interview with DER SPIEGEL, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks about his relationship with Trump, the immense challenges facing Germany and the dangers of the AfD.

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DER SPIEGEL
Apr 29, 2026
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “I am trying to maintain a good personal relationship with the American president.” (Photo: Anna Ziegler / DER SPIEGEL)

Interview Conducted by Christoph Hickmann, Dirk Kurbjuweit and Cornelia Schmergal

DER SPIEGEL: Mr. Chancellor, you have been in office for nearly a year now – the most powerful political office in the country. Some of the problems that have plagued your tenure thus far have been created by U.S. President Donald Trump. Is it a rather unusual experience to be chancellor in the Trump II era?

Merz: You could certainly say that.

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