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Germany’s embattled leader Merz cancels New York trip amid mounting domestic pressure

politico.eu • September 15, 2026 • world

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Chancellor Friedrich Merz has canceled his planned trip to New York next week to attend the United Nations General Assembly and receive the Henry Kissinger Prize, citing the need to remain in Berlin amid political turmoil.
The cancellation follows poor election results for Merz’s Christian Democratic Union in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin, raising questions about his political future and potential changes in German leadership.
Merz was initially expected to attend the award ceremony and address the U.N. General Assembly during the high-level week but withdrew first from the award event and then the entire trip due to the domestic crisis.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will represent Germany at the U.N. General Assembly in Merz’s stead, continuing his role from last year’s assembly.
The decision underscores the severity of the political challenges facing Merz and the government, highlighting the priority given to addressing internal party issues over international engagements.

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