Merkel & Esken Spotted Together as German Coalition Faces Turmoil
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Amidst declining approval ratings and a rising AfD, a surprising scene unfolded in Berlin: former Chancellor Angela Merkel and former SPD chairwoman Saskia Esken were seen enjoying a meal together, a stark contrast to the current struggles within Germany’s governing coalition.
Recent weeks have been marked by internal friction within the “traffic light” coalition – a reference to the colors of the governing parties: red (SPD), yellow (FDP), and green (Greens) – raising questions about its stability. The unexpected meeting between Merkel and Esken, captured in photos circulating online, has sparked speculation about the state of German politics and the potential for alternative alliances.
A Meeting in Berlin’s “Newspaper District”
The encounter took place at an Italian restaurant in Berlin-Kreuzberg, a neighborhood known as the “newspaper district” due to the proximity of numerous media outlets, including taz, Die Welt, Business Insider, and Bild. Photos posted on the platform X by a former Bild journalist, Carl-Victor Wachs, show Merkel and Esken in conversation, with Wachs himself appearing in one of the images.
According to a report in Bild, citing a fellow diner named Peter Tiede, Merkel and Esken were engaged in a lively discussion, “well audible for the next tables.” The conversation reportedly included playful imitations of prominent political figures, including Union faction leader Jens Spahn and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, specifically referencing Merz’s stance on restricting weapon deliveries to Israel. Merkel is well-known for her ability to mimic other politicians, and Spahn was also reportedly engaging in similar impressions.
A “Parallel World” to Coalition Struggles
Wachs, when questioned about his motivation for sharing the photos, suggested they highlighted a potential for greater harmony within the coalition had different leadership choices been made. “That a black and red coalition could also have been more calm if the leadership personnel behaved differently,” he stated.
The images present a striking juxtaposition to the challenges facing Chancellor Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil just kilometers away in the Berlin government district. They are currently grappling with low satisfaction rates and the increasing popularity of the AfD in recent polls. A second photo shared by Wachs depicts two men in dark suits, presumably bodyguards, enjoying a cola, adding a layer of subtle commentary on the realities of political life.
The scene at the restaurant, as described by observers, appears to represent a moment of camaraderie and perhaps even a shared understanding between two former leaders, while the current government navigates a period of significant political and economic uncertainty.
