Kommentar: Der Kanzler mutet den Bürgern die Wahrheit zu – und das ist bitter nötig
Elterngeld gegen Verteidigung. Friedrich Merz muss den Bürgern etwas wegnehmen, um den Laden weiter finanzieren zu können. Das macht schlechte Stimmung, ist aber alternativlos.
Friedrich Merz refuses to accept Germany's decline without resistance, even if his personal approval ratings are at an all-time low. During an ARD summer interview, he exhibited a defiant attitude, stating, "Anyone who imposes change on a nation is naturally unpopular at first." Although recent figures indicate a modest economic recovery after seven years of stagnation, Merz acknowledges that there is no longer enough money to simultaneously fund parental leave and defense spending, as he puts it.
Consequently, he must take something away from citizens to maintain the balance. This decision contributes to the poor atmosphere reflected in the low personal approval ratings. The Chancellor remains unmoved by this situation. "In the end, it all balances out, not in the interim," he asserts. When it comes to the pension reform, Merz also presents the truth to the citizens, even though it is a bitter pill for many to swallow.
His statement, "We are doing this now," is likely to be particularly ill-received during economically challenging times. Regardless of whether he delivers this message with empathy or a smile on Sunday evening, it is unlikely to change the outcome.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
