Video: Rente und Arbeitsmarkt: Merz erwartet von Schweitzer Tempo bei Reformen

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (CDU) is urging new Labor Minister Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) to expedite the implementation of planned reforms from the moment he takes office. Following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Schweitzer pledged to be "fully engaged" at the ministry starting at 11am, as announced by Merz at the German Employers' Day.

Schweitzer was appointed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the afternoon of Monday, replacing Bärbel Bas, who abruptly resigned as SPD leader and minister on Monday. Bas has refused to attend her resignation ceremony or make an appearance at the ministry, reportedly citing her personal circumstances and a bereavement as reasons for her swift departure.

SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf renewed allegations against the coalition partner, while Bas and senior SPD figures had attributed their resignation to criticism from the opposition and a family tragedy. The identity of the successor to Bas at the helm of the SPD remains unclear. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, a popular figure, stated at the Employers' Day that he would not seek the role of party chairman, citing his commitment to national security as his primary responsibility.

Pistorius expressed his support for SPD leader Lars Klingbeil's candidacy for the position. The SPD aims to reelect its entire leadership team at a party congress around the New Year. Merz made it clear that the rent reform bill still needs to be passed this year and by early 2027 in the Bundestag. He expects Schweitzer to work "quickly and efficiently" in order to secure the draft bills and present them to the relevant parties and states within the year.

Merz criticized the absence of a rent reform draft, noting that proposals from the Rent Commission have been in circulation since June. "July, August, September, October - that's too long for me," Merz remarked. Bas had been responsible for the rent reform legislation. Green Party faction leader Katharina Dröge accused Merz of expressing dissatisfaction with Bas's handling of the situation.

Merz claimed that his failure to show respect and appreciation for Bas during her resignation demonstrated his lack of gratitude. Regarding the most controversial proposal to abolish early retirement after 45 years of contributions, Merz argued that ending this early retirement provision would make the pension system fairer. He stated that allowing fit individuals to retire early would not be just.