Berlin – CDU leader Friedrich Merz has expressed regret over the controversy surrounding a voicemail he left for Green Party parliamentary group leader Britta Haßelmann. The message, intended to inform Haßelmann about the exploratory agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD, sparked backlash from the Greens, whose support is necessary for constitutional amendments in the Bundestag.
Merz acknowledged that his approach may not have been the best. “Had I known that a well-intentioned message on Ms. Haßelmann’s voicemail would cause such a stir, I would have contacted her through other means instead,” he told Bild am Sonntag. He emphasized that his main priority was to inform her before the press conference on Saturday following the exploratory discussions.
Despite the initial miscommunication, the talks between the CDU/CSU, SPD, and the Greens ultimately proved successful. The constitutional amendments are now set to be passed by the Bundestag on Tuesday, with the Bundesrat scheduled to review them on Friday.
Merz’s statement serves as an appeal for understanding, highlighting his intent to keep key political stakeholders informed during critical negotiations.
