Spahn characterized the reports of a potential replacement for Merz as “nonsense,” while North Rhine-Westphalian Minister President Wüst and Schleswig-Holstein’s Günther also defended the Chancellor, with Günther labeling the speculation as absurd and lacking truth. The discussions arose amidst challenges faced by the black-red coalition, with suggestions that Wüst could succeed Merz. However, sources close to the Chancellor have refuted these rumors. This statement was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on May 31, 2026.