Friedrich Merz Echoes Angela Merkel’s Famous Wir schaffen das Phrase

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s CDU/CSU, has revived Angela Merkel’s iconic phrase “Wir schaffen das” (We can do this) to signal stability amidst a political surge by the right-wing AfD. While Merkel used the line during the 2015 migration crisis, Merz is applying it to internal party unity and upcoming state elections, as recent polls show the AfD leading with 29% support compared to the CDU/CSU’s 22%.

Why did Friedrich Merz revive Angela Merkel’s most famous phrase?

It’s a risky move. For many Germans, “Wir schaffen das” is inextricably linked to the 2015 refugee crisis—a period that redefined German politics and fueled the rise of the far-right. However, as reported by the German daily Bild, Merz isn’t talking about refugees this time. He’s using the phrase to reassure his own party members that the center-right coalition can push through necessary reforms before critical state elections, including those in Berlin.

By borrowing Merkel’s language, Merz is attempting to project the same aura of competence and determination that characterized her long tenure. He’s trying to convince his base that the current coalition has the “strength and necessary unity” to overcome economic and political hurdles. He’s even gone as far as promising that there won’t be cuts to pensions, a move designed to protect his flank from populist attacks.

Is the AfD actually winning the political battle in Germany?

The numbers suggest a worrying trend for the established center-right. According to polling data cited by Parlamentní listy, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is currently polling at 29% nationally. This puts them significantly ahead of the CDU/CSU, which sits at 22%.

This gap isn’t just a statistical fluke. It represents a fundamental shift in how a large portion of the electorate views the “establishment.” When the AfD outperforms the traditional conservative powerhouse, it forces leaders like Merz to walk a tightrope: they must sound firm enough to win back right-wing voters without alienating the moderate center that kept Merkel in power for 16 years.

Did the 2015 migration policy actually fail?

Whether “we managed it” depends entirely on who you ask. While political rhetoric often focuses on the failures of integration, the data tells a more nuanced story. A fact-check by ZDF reveals that the integration of recent asylum seekers into the labor market is actually progressing faster than that of refugees who arrived during the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

ZDF attributes this success to two main factors: a more stable labor market compared to the 90s and significantly higher investment in language courses and integration programs. This creates a sharp contrast between the perceived chaos reported in tabloid headlines and the actual economic absorption of migrants into the German workforce.

What happens next for German leadership?

The tension between Merz’s optimistic “we can do this” and the AfD’s rising popularity suggests a volatile period ahead. If the CDU/CSU cannot translate their reform promises into tangible wins in the state elections, the AfD may move from being a “protest party” to a dominant political force.

The real test will be whether Merz can redefine “managing it” for a new era. He’s no longer fighting a migration crisis alone; he’s fighting an economic slowdown and a crisis of confidence in the European project. If he fails to deliver on pension stability and economic growth, the ghost of Merkel’s 2015 phrase might haunt his own campaign.

For more insights on European political shifts, check out our analysis of EU election trends or explore Bild for live updates from Berlin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Wir schaffen das” mean?
It translates to “We can do this” or “We’ll manage it.” It became the defining slogan of Angela Merkel’s approach to the 2015 migration crisis.

Who is Friedrich Merz?
He is the leader of the CDU/CSU, the primary center-right political alliance in Germany and the main opposition to the current government.

Why is the AfD growing in popularity?
The AfD typically gains support by criticizing migration policies, EU integration, and the economic handling of energy costs, appealing to voters who feel left behind by the centrist policies of the last two decades.