German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing mounting internal pressure as speculation grows within his own party about a potential leadership challenge ahead of the next federal election. Reports indicate that senior figures in the centre-Right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) are increasingly dissatisfied with Merz’s stewardship, amid declining poll numbers and rising support for the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

At 70, Merz has struggled to consolidate his position since taking office, with public approval ratings reflecting widespread discontent. Recent surveys suggest that 71 percent of Germans view his performance negatively, fueling concerns among CDU members over his ability to reverse the party’s fortunes. The CDU’s slip in popularity has prompted some MPs to question whether a change in leadership could better position the party for upcoming elections.

Emerging as a leading alternative is Hendrik Wüst, the 50-year-old premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state. Known for his relative youth and media appeal, Wüst has maintained strong support in a region traditionally aligned with the centre-Left, and he is expected to secure a comfortable re-election next year. His success contrasts with the CDU’s broader struggles nationally, and he is viewed by many as a more electable figure capable of appealing to a fractured electorate.

Wüst has publicly dismissed rumors of a coup against Merz as “absolute rubbish” and affirmed his full support for the Chancellor. Nevertheless, the younger politician’s past actions have fueled speculation about his ambitions. Before Merz secured the CDU candidacy for the national election last year, Wüst made a conspicuous media effort to distance himself from Merz’s policies, signaling disapproval of the party’s direction under the Chancellor.

Recent events have intensified scrutiny of Merz’s leadership style. Reports describe him as having a volatile temper, exemplified by a recent outburst at a coalition meeting with junior Social Democrat partners over stalled reforms. His offhand remarks have also drawn criticism—last autumn, his comments blaming asylum seekers for urban problems sparked nationwide debate, and more recently, his assertion that Iran was “humiliating” the United States caused diplomatic tensions.

The Chancellor’s team reacted forcefully to the circulating rumors, labeling the speculation as “wild” and accusing its proponents of aiding the AfD’s agenda. Sources inside the Chancellery cautioned that these destabilizing efforts were “playing with fire.”

As the Bundestag prepares for its summer recess at the end of June, Merz faces a critical period ahead. Three key state elections scheduled for early autumn could further weaken the CDU’s standing and exacerbate coalition strains. While experts say Merz does not yet need to fear Wüst as a direct rival, there is broad agreement that a poor showing in these contests could dramatically alter the party’s leadership landscape in the coming months.