Junge Union: Merz sieht ohne Reformen keine Wahlchancen für CDU im Bund

CDU leader Friedrich Merz has stated that extensive social reforms are necessary for his party to maintain electoral success in the Bund in the future. In his address to the Jungen Union's Germany Day in Bonn, Merz warned that without proof of a sustainable economic recovery and a reform of social security systems, his party would have no chance in the upcoming Bundestag elections.

He emphasized the importance of concluding the reform process soon and confirmed that the cabinet plans to make a decision on the pension reform within the current year. The pension proposal includes the abolition of the right to a non-contributory pension after 45 years of insurance, commonly known as the 63-year pension. This proposal has faced opposition from the SPD, particularly in the eastern German states.

CDU Minister Presidents from Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony, and Thuringia have also expressed their disagreement with the plans. Merz acknowledged that these reforms will cause disruption but stressed that implementation must proceed. He confirmed that despite resistance, he will stick to the path of change, stating that electoral results cannot alter the necessity for change.