Booed by trade unionists, Friedrich Merz warns of Germany's decline

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a stark warning on Tuesday about the country's economic future, stating that Germany must "pull itself together" or risk being left behind in a rapidly changing world. His speech, delivered before the congress of the German Trade Union Confederation in Berlin, was met with boos and whistles.

Facing delegates representing workers in industry, public services and the tertiary sector, Friedrich Merz argued for the need for profound economic and social reforms to revive growth in Europe's largest economy.

After a year in power, the chancellor's popularity is declining as his government faces internal tensions over the scope and pace of reforms. The debates focus particularly on rising healthcare and pension costs, which have become highly sensitive issues in the country.

The hostile reception given to the conservative leader illustrates the growing divisions within German society regarding the proposed economic and budgetary changes. Many unions fear reforms that could weaken social protections or place a greater burden on workers.

This political tension also comes in a context of continued progress for Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is gaining ground in the polls and weakening traditional parties.

Later in the day, Friedrich Merz's conservatives and their Social Democratic partners were scheduled to meet to ease tensions within the governing coalition. Despite speculation about a possible political crisis, Friedrich Merz and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil dismissed the idea of ​​a government collapse.

The Chancellor's speech nevertheless shows the magnitude of the challenges facing Germany: economic slowdown, pressure on the social model and rise of populist forces in an increasingly tense political climate.