German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s absence from public view for roughly four weeks has drawn criticism as the country faces extreme heat, drought, wildfires and falling river levels.
Merz was last seen in public on July 29, and the vacation expected to last a few days extended to roughly four weeks, prompting debate. During this period, Germany experienced not only hot weather and drought but also wildfires and crop losses.
Merz’s lack of public statements becomes a topic of debate
Among the events that occurred during Merz’s vacation was the detection of an unmanned aerial vehicle at Leipzig-Halle Airport that was believed to contain explosives. The chancellor was also criticized for not making a public statement about these developments.
Merz’s vacation was raised with Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille at a press conference held in Berlin on August 19. Hille argued that the terms “chancellor” and “vacation” were not entirely compatible and said that Merz’s decision not to hold public meetings did not mean he was away from his duties.
Hille said Merz was maintaining regular and close contact with cabinet members on matters related to the administration of the state. He also said Merz was dealing with party affairs and continuing to communicate with the heads of state and government of other countries.
Comments on the length of the vacation also draw criticism
German media commentary criticized Merz for remaining out of public view for more than three weeks and the government spokespersons for avoiding direct acknowledgment of the term “vacation.” In some commentaries, statements that Merz was continuing to perform his duties and maintain contacts were described as abstract justifications.
Critics argued that Merz had not been visible enough during the crises amid drought, wildfires, extreme heat and crop losses, and that he had made only brief statements on social media.
Commentators noted that the law sets no limit on the chancellor’s vacation and does not provide for a statutory vacation period for a serving chancellor. The public also began asking where Merz was and when he would return.
Merz was also previously quoted as saying that Germans “needed to work more and more efficiently.” His lengthy vacation was therefore described as contradicting his earlier remarks.
