Kabinett in Klausur: Merz spricht Machtwort in Rentendebatte
Bis Ende des Jahres will die Regierung ihr Reformpaket durchsetzen. Von ihrem Kurs will sie sich nicht abbringen lassen - auch nicht durch Zwischenrufe von Wahlkämpfern aus den Ländern.
Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) expressed strong support for the planned pension reform during a cabinet meeting in Neuhardenberg, despite receiving resistance from within his own party. Following the closed-door discussion, the chancellor sent a clear message against the demands of three East German CDU state premiers, who argued for retaining early retirement benefits after 45 years of contributions.
Merz emphasized the need to end all incentives for early retirement and maintain this stance as a core element of the reform. In a notable shift from the coalition debate, the call for climate protection measures through constitutional amendments, initially raised by the SPD, was dropped. Instead, Merz focused on integrating various measures and exploring concrete support programs, stating that there were no shortages of programs or funds.
He urged the government to be confident about the future rather than spreading discontent. Overall, Merz portrayed the cabinet as united and in good spirits at the new venue, Schloss Neuhardenberg in Brandenburg. However, the coalition faces tough weeks ahead, with three state legislative elections scheduled for September, which could shake the coalition.
In the polls, CDU and SPD appear to be in a precarious position, with the potential for the AfD to gain power in Saxony-Anhalt for the first time in its history. Merz highlighted the importance of demonstrating unity and dispelling the prevailing sense of malaise that has plagued the country for a long time.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
