Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU, ignited discussions after he declared the FDP irrelevant following their disappointing results in Baden-Württemberg. Addressing party supporters, he suggested that rather than backing the FDP, they should support the CDU in the upcoming state elections in Rhineland-Palatinate, taking a clear stance as a campaign strategist rather than a political analyst. This declaration has raised eyebrows, given that it undercuts the position of the FDP while trying to consolidate CDU’s support ahead of critical elections.