German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced criticism for blaming the worsening mood in Germany on the country's political opposition, with many accusing him of hypocrisy given his own party's ties to the far-right AfD.[1179982][1167711][1104057][1124561][1038502] The criticism comes as Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) faces tough elections in several states, with polls showing a decline in support for the party.[1179982][1167711][1104057][1124561][1038502] Merz's comments have been widely condemned by opposition parties, who say they are an attempt to deflect attention from the government's own failures.[1179982][1167711][1104057][1124561][1038502] The AfD, which has been a thorn in the side of the CDU for years, has also seized on Merz's comments, suggesting that the government is trying to distract from its own problems.[1104057][1124561][1038502] Merz's party has been plagued by internal conflicts and scandals in recent months, which have contributed to the decline in support.[1179982][1167711][1104057][1124561][1038502] The criticism of Merz's comments highlights the challenges facing the CDU as it prepares for the elections.[1179982][1167711][1104057][1124561][1038502]