Martin Hagen, the General Secretary of the FDP, criticized the federal government, asserting that it has failed to present adequate reforms yet in the face of the economic crisis. Speaking to RTL and ntv, Hagen emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We desperately need a breakthrough, because we are experiencing the longest sustained economic crisis in the history of the Federal Republic.” He charged that the government has yet to deliver on any meaningful reforms.
Instead of offering relief, Hagen argued that the government has implemented measures that burden citizens further. He pointed to increasing tax loads, the lack of offsetting adjustments for “cold progression” (wage-price decoupling), higher associated costs for wages, and projected increases in both health insurance and pension contributions. For the economy, the FDP politician called for lower corporate taxes, reduced energy prices, and less bureaucratic red tape.
Furthermore, Hagen expressed skepticism regarding Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), stating he does not believe Merz will remain in office until the end of the legislative period. While Merz started in office as a reform-minded Chancellor, Hagen asserted that he has “momentarily entered the history books only as the debt Chancellor.” He speculated that the government might eventually hit the emergency brake and conclude, “Merz must go.” Regarding the ruling coalition itself, Hagen suggested that the CDU and SPD might be kept in power solely because of notoriously poor opinion poll results.
