Germany’s Friedrich Merz cancels New York trip as political trouble grows at home

The German leader stays put amid internal party fighting and pressure over his future.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s opposition party, has canceled his planned trip to New York. He was supposed to attend an event at the United Nations. Instead, he is staying in Germany. News reports say this change of plans comes because of growing pressure at home. Merz is currently dealing with a lot of tension within his own party. Some critics are even questioning his leadership, with one report from The Guardian asking if his political "firewall"—his promise not to work with certain extreme parties—is falling apart. By staying in Germany, Merz is likely trying to get a handle …