"Becoming chancellor is great – but the job isn’t for wimps."
Aug 2026
Reality has caught up with Friedrich Merz
Friedrich Merz has been German chancellor for one year. His approval ratings are at rock bottom, and the coalition is in turmoil. Security policy expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP) calls for a tougher stance — both from the German government and toward the enemies of democracy.
This interview by David Karasek was originally published in SRF Tagesgespräch on 6.5.2026 in German. Translated and edited for context purposes by the UBS Center.
Ms. Strack-Zimmermann, Friedrich Merz has been chancellor for a year. What is your assessment of his performance?
Reality has caught up with Friedrich Merz. Much of what he promised during his three years in the opposition has not been implemented. This is causing a great deal of frustration. Becoming chancellor is great, but actually fulfilling the duties of the office is not for the faint of heart.
You’re calling him a wimp?
I’m saying he’s reaching his limits. The truth is also this: international crises, a faltering economy, and excessive regulations create a toxic mix. Clearly, the coalition wasn’t willing to compromise. Merz simply thought it would be too easy. People are right to say: We have so many challenges, now pull yourselves together!
You’ve called Iran a “plague on this earth.” Does that justify a war?
The mullahs don’t fight themselves; instead, they use proxies to destabilize our freedom. These are Hamas and Hezbollah, which threaten Israel, and the Houthis, who attack our merchant ships in the Red Sea. These are wars against the West. At the same time, Iran has demonstrably enriched its uranium to up to 60 percent. They are thus on the path to the atomic bomb. That is a massive danger to humanity. In that respect, I can understand an attack to prevent that.
Some people view you as a warmonger. What is your guiding principle on security policy?
The ancient Romans used to say: Prepare for war so that war may never come. That is what I believe. After 1989, we drastically reduced our military capabilities in Europe. That was good news. But today we see that those who reject our freedom have been arming themselves. The reality is: if you are strong, you will not be attacked. Only those who are strong have a chance to live in peace. If people call me a warmonger because of this, then I accept that. In my view, I am a peacemaker. We must be incredibly strong so that no one dares attack us.
The FDP in Germany is in free fall and has a voter share of about three percent. The FDP believes in the free market. Doesn’t the political market clearly say: This party is no longer needed?
Here’s the thing: If we as a party offer something and voters don’t want it, we need to rethink our product. The idea of freedom is more relevant than ever: We want a state that fulfills its core responsibilities, such as security, but leaves people the freedom to take personal responsibility. We have obviously failed to put this core principle at the center of our agenda.
Friedrich Merz has been German chancellor for one year. His approval ratings are at rock bottom, and the coalition is in turmoil. Security policy expert Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP) calls for a tougher stance — both from the German government and toward the enemies of democracy.
This interview by David Karasek was originally published in SRF Tagesgespräch on 6.5.2026 in German. Translated and edited for context purposes by the UBS Center.
Ms. Strack-Zimmermann, Friedrich Merz has been chancellor for a year. What is your assessment of his performance?
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann is a German politician from the FDP. She has been a member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Defense since 2024. Prior to that, she served as a member of the German Bundestag from 2017 to 2024. This conversation took place on the sidelines of Wirtschaftspodium Schweiz.
Quotes
Merz thought it would be too easy.
We have to be as strong as bears so that no one dares to attack us.
UBS Center Podium
Speaker
Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann wurde im Juni 2024 zur Abgeordneten des Europäischen Parlaments gewählt. Dort ist sie Vorsitzende der FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament und Vorsitzende des Ausschusses für Sicherheit und Verteidigung (SEDE). Von 2017 bis 2024 war sie Bundestagsabgeordnete. 2017 bis 2021 kommunal- und verteidigungspolitische Sprecherin der FDP-Bundestagsfraktion. Seit 2019 war sie im FDP-Bundesvorstand, seit 2023 wieder im FDP-Präsidium. 2021 bis 2024 Vorsitzende des Verteidigungsausschusses und Mitglied des Vorstands der FDP-Bundestagsfraktion.
Dr. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann wurde im Juni 2024 zur Abgeordneten des Europäischen Parlaments gewählt. Dort ist sie Vorsitzende der FDP-Delegation im Europäischen Parlament und Vorsitzende des Ausschusses für Sicherheit und Verteidigung (SEDE). Von 2017 bis 2024 war sie Bundestagsabgeordnete. 2017 bis 2021 kommunal- und verteidigungspolitische Sprecherin der FDP-Bundestagsfraktion. Seit 2019 war sie im FDP-Bundesvorstand, seit 2023 wieder im FDP-Präsidium. 2021 bis 2024 Vorsitzende des Verteidigungsausschusses und Mitglied des Vorstands der FDP-Bundestagsfraktion.