Merz called for a collaborative spirit among coalition partners during a cabinet meeting, asserting that there is no viable alternative to the current coalition. He expressed hope for sustained optimism and mutual trust. SPD Chairwoman Saskia Bas, in an interview with ‘Der Spiegel’, pledged to do everything possible to prevent the coalition’s failure, warning that such an outcome would benefit the far-right AfD. She also defended the government’s performance, stating it is ‘better than its reputation.’ This news was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on May 7, 2026.