Merz cancels trip to New York amid domestic political pressure
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has canceled his trip to New York scheduled for September 22, where he was to address the UN General Assembly. He will remain in Berlin amid elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin, in which his party is expected to perform poorly, Politico Europe reports.
Chancellor to remain in Berlin
A German official familiar with the chancellor's schedule told the publication that Merz will not travel to New York next week because his presence is needed in Berlin.
The visit was canceled amid intense discussions about Merz's political future and a possible change in Germany's leadership after Sunday's elections. A meeting of the parliamentary group is scheduled for September 22, immediately after the vote, where, according to Politico Europe, critical voices may be heard.
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Merz's Christian Democratic Union is expected to perform poorly in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The publication notes that the party may even fail to clear the 5 percent threshold required to enter parliament.
UN address instead of Merz
Merz had planned to fly to New York two days after the elections. In addition to addressing the UN General Assembly, he was to receive the Henry Kissinger Prize from the American Academy in Berlin. Earlier, his participation in the award ceremony had already been canceled so that the chancellor could attend the parliamentary group meeting.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will address the UN General Assembly instead of Merz. He already represented the chancellor at the UN General Assembly last year. Next week, the UN will host high-level week, during which heads of state and government address the General Assembly and hold important meetings.
