Friedrich Merz, initially heralded as a catalyst for renewal within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is now facing increasing disillusionment from within the party ranks. Expectations for Merz to reinvigorate the CDU have largely gone unmet, leading to widespread disappointment among members. The article questions who within the CDU still actively defends his leadership position. This shift in sentiment suggests a potential crisis of confidence in Merz's ability to lead the party forward. Sources indicate a growing sense that Merz may not be the leader the CDU requires. The situation raises concerns about the CDU's future direction and potential internal strife. The article implicitly asks whether Merz can regain the trust of his party or if a leadership challenge is brewing.