Merz Targets Von Der Leyen With German Power Flex

The article discusses the ambitions of Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), to assert Germany's influence in the European Union. Merz has criticized the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, the current President of the European Commission, and has suggested that Germany should play a more prominent role in shaping the EU's agenda. Merz believes that Germany should be "driving the most important decisions in Europe again," indicating a desire for the country to have a more assertive role in the EU. He has accused von der Leyen of not consulting with national governments enough and has called for a stronger German voice in EU policymaking. The article suggests that Merz's comments reflect a broader trend of rising Euroscepticism in Germany, with some politicians seeking to limit the EU's influence and prioritize national interests. However, the article does not provide a detailed analysis of the wider political context or the potential implications of Merz's proposed approach.