Top German conservative: Speculation of move against Merz 'nonsense'

Speculation about a move to topple German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is "nonsense," a leading conservative said on Saturday. 

In a speech to party delegates from Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU) in the central state of Hesse, veteran lawmaker Jens Spahn highlighted the government's achievements and touted a shift in policy across various fields. 

He described Merz as a chancellor who gets things done and has a clear vision for reforming Germany and restoring its economic strength. "And in this he has our full support," he told party delegates, branding recent speculation "nonsense."

Boris Rhein, the popular CDU premier of Hesse, added: "We do not need less Merz. We need more Merz."

Reports have surfaced in German media in recent weeks of moves within the CDU to replace Merz after a difficult first year in office. 

Merz's conservatives and their coalition partners in the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are currently locked in tough negotiations over major reforms to pensions and health care, while the country's economy has taken a severe hit from the war in Iran. 

Henrindrik Wüst, premier of the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, has emerged as a potential candidate, but he too has dismissed the rumours. 

"To put it quite clearly once again: the speculation of the past few days is simply nonsense!” said Wüst in response to a query from dpa. “The challenges facing Germany are immense – that is all that matters right now.” 

Merz is tackling major responsibilities for Germany in Europe and the world with great determination, Wüst said. "He has my full support in this." 

On Monday, Wüst and Merz are expected to attend an internal party meeting in Meschede, in the Sauerland region.

Sources close to the chancellor have also dismissed the rumours, saying they were motivated by a “dangerous desire to stir up trouble.”