Why Germany’s Conservatives Find It So Hard to Move Beyond Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel’s tenure redefined what it means to lead with prudence and steadiness in contemporary German politics. Her ability to navigate turbulent global waters without succumbing to radical shifts cultivated a conservative identity deeply rooted in stability and measured progress. Merkel’s approach emphasized consensus-building and incremental reform, steering clear of ideological extremes and focusing instead on practical governance that appealed to a broad spectrum of the electorate.

This legacy has left Germany’s conservatives with a unique blueprint that continues to influence party strategies and public expectations. Key elements of this enduring influence include:

• Commitment to fiscal responsibility as a cornerstone of economic policy.
• Pragmatism over populism, reinforcing a culture of reliable leadership rather than emotional appeal.
• Diplomatic engagement both within Europe and on the global stage, prioritizing alliances and multilateral cooperation.
• Social moderation that balances tradition with progressive adaptation, avoiding divisive cultural battles.

As the CDU and its allies seek to forge a new identity in Merkel’s post-chancellorship era, the imprint of her steady hand remains unmistakable, serving as both a political lodestar and a challenge in an era increasingly defined by volatility.

Since Angela Merkel’s departure, Germany’s conservative bloc has grappled with a lack of clear direction, exposing fault lines that were long masked by her unifying leadership. Key factions within the party diverge sharply on issues ranging from immigration and climate policy to economic strategy and foreign relations. These divides have led to a fragmented narrative in which each potential successor attempts to carve out their own distinct identity, often at odds with one another. This ideological fragmentation is further complicated by a generational shift, with younger politicians advocating for more progressive stances, while traditionalists cling to Merkel’s pragmatic centrism.

As the conservatives struggle to consolidate around a cohesive platform, several challenges have become apparent:

• Leadership Vacuum: No figure has yet emerged with the consensus-building abilities that Merkel wielded, leading to ongoing power struggles within the party rank-and-file.
• Policy Ambiguity: Competing visions have created uncertainty among voters, who remain unclear about the party’s future priorities.
• External Pressures: Rising influence from opposition parties and shifting societal values have intensified pressure on conservatives to redefine their identity.

The resulting internal friction not only hampers the party’s electoral prospects but also raises questions about its ability to effectively govern in a post-Merkel era.

To navigate the fractious post-Merkel era, conservatives must prioritize a genuine commitment to internal reflection and dialogue. The party’s identity crisis stems largely from attempting to balance Merkel’s centrist legacy with a growing push from more conservative factions. Bridging this divide means explicitly acknowledging past successes while openly debating the direction for future leadership. This requires fostering spaces where contrasting voices can engage constructively, rather than allowing internal tensions to fester in public view, which risks alienating moderate voters who valued Merkel’s inclusive approach.

Beyond internal dynamics, reconnecting with an evolving electorate demands a sharper focus on addressing contemporary concerns without resorting to nostalgic rhetoric. Key areas for immediate policy innovation include:

• Climate and energy policy: Offering credible, pragmatic solutions that reconcile economic interests with environmental imperatives.
• Digital transformation: Championing technological progress to appeal to younger voters increasingly disillusioned by traditional political narratives.
• Social cohesion and integration: Developing inclusive policies that reflect Germany’s demographic changes and multicultural realities.

By embracing this adaptive strategy, conservatives can rebuild trust and present themselves as a forward-looking alternative in a shifting political terrain.