German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented the reform progress of the black-red coalition during a traditional summer press conference in Berlin on July 15 [1].

The briefing serves as a critical effort to solidify Merz's political authority and present a unified government front ahead of state elections scheduled for September.

Speaking from the Chancellery, Merz said that this was his second summer press conference since taking office [2]. He described the current state of his government by saying, "The coalition has found its footing" [3]. While he expressed satisfaction with certain milestones, he cautioned that the work is not complete, saying, "We have achieved a lot, but it is far from enough" [4].

A primary focus of the conference was the German automotive industry and its relationship with China. Merz addressed the integration of Chinese car manufacturers into the domestic market, characterizing the move as a temporary measure. "The entry of Chinese automakers is only an emergency solution," Merz said [5].

The Chancellor also addressed several volatile international crises. He spoke on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, highlighting the need for stability in global diplomacy.

Domestically, Merz focused on the rise of the AfD. He said that the party's momentum could be halted before the upcoming state elections [6]. The Chancellor used the platform to link these internal political struggles with the broader need for the coalition's reforms to take hold across the country.

Merz concluded the session by reiterating that the government remains committed to its reform agenda despite the pressures of international conflict, and domestic political fragmentation.

“"The coalition has found its footing."”

This press conference signals Merz's attempt to pivot from the initial instability of coalition building to a phase of active governance. By labeling Chinese automotive investment as an 'emergency solution,' he is attempting to balance economic necessity with a strategic desire to maintain German industrial sovereignty. Furthermore, his optimism regarding the AfD suggests a high-stakes gamble on the coalition's ability to win back voters through economic reforms before the September elections.