# Three urgent problems for Friedrich Merz

> The CDU leader faces a turbulent weekend juggling sugar tax disputes, ECB succession and a presidential candidacy row.
- Title: Three urgent problems for Friedrich Merz · POLITICO | Shortify
- Summary: The CDU leader faces a turbulent weekend juggling sugar tax disputes, ECB succession and a presidential candidacy row.
- Keywords: friedrich merz, cdu, ilse aigner, bundespräsidialamt, christine lagarde, sugar tax, fuel price cap, csu, markus söder, POLITICO
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/podcast/berlin-playbook-podcast/drei-probleme-fur-friedrich-merz
- Published: 2026-11-06T04:39:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: friedrich merz, cdu, ilse aigner, bundespräsidialamt, christine lagarde, sugar tax, fuel price cap, csu, markus söder, politics, world
## Merz faces three crises at once
CDU leader Friedrich Merz confronts an unsettled weekend managing disputes over sugar tax, the succession of ECB chief Christine Lagarde, and a contested presidential candidacy.
## Aigner candidacy puts Merz under pressure
Merz faces pressure over the candidacy of Ilse Aigner for the federal presidency, with backroom deals now being negotiated. Konrad Körner, vice-chief of the Jungen Union, discusses CSU power claims.
## Fuel price cap at risk of collapse
A planned fuel price cap intended to provide relief at the pump faces uncertainty. The prestige project could fail at the final stage, according to Joana Lehner.
## Key takeaway

CDU leader Friedrich Merz confronts three pressing crises simultaneously: sugar tax disputes, ECB chief succession and a contested presidential candidacy involving Ilse Aigner.