CDU leader Friedrich Merz believes that a rapid agreement on pension reform is possible within the coalition. Speaking to RTL and ntv near the G7 summit, Merz stated, “The question is not about who triumphs over whom here, but about what we can achieve together.” He noted that the results from the pension commission are expected next Tuesday. If the outcome aligns with current expectations, it will lead to a “very far-reaching reform.”
Merz anticipates a tight schedule, stating that the policy will be determined and implemented very quickly by the cabinet before being presented to the German Bundestag. The CDU politician emphasized that there is currently a “really good window for a fundamental reform” of the German pension insurance system.
Acknowledging his impatience regarding the pace of reform, Merz admitted, “I belong to the slightly impatient crowd. That is true.” While he wished things had happened sooner, he added that if the reform is sound and well-executed, the waiting time was worthwhile. He explained that time had to be taken because there had been no comparable situation in the past. Nevertheless, the CDU chief remains optimistic about the collaboration, concluding, “My coalition partner and I are both truly certain that we will succeed together.”
