German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has dismissed speculation about a potential leadership change, vowing to press ahead with a reform agenda and revive the country's economy.
Merz, whose popularity has reached record lows, told a gathering of his Christian Democratic Union that Germany has the strength for a new beginning and that he is determined to make it possible with his government.
Despite reports of a potential 'chancellor swap,' Merz's chancellery has pushed back, saying such a scenario is politically naive and plays into the hands of the far right.
The prospect of replacing Merz is a matter of open debate, but there is no indication that a plan has taken shape.
Replacing a sitting German chancellor is not straightforward, requiring the support of coalition partners, as seen in 1974 when Willy Brandt was succeeded by Helmut Schmidt.
Merz has ruled out the option of ending the coalition to govern in a minority government, an option that would open the possibility of pushing through legislation with the help of the far right.
The coalition has sought to lift itself out of turmoil by delivering on a sweeping overhaul of Germany's healthcare, tax, and pension systems by this summer.
However, the process has been weighed down by deep disagreements between the CDU-led bloc and the SPD and a fresh economic hit from the war in Iran.
Merz's bloc had 22% support, five percentage points behind the far-right Alternative for Germany, according to a Forsa survey published Tuesday.
Merz told the CDU meeting in Arnsberg that he feels the responsibility of the office, especially in times of profound change and major upheaval.
