Amid ongoing criticism directed at the governing coalition by the Christian Union (Union), the social democrat party’s former Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach of the SPD, has publicly thrown his unequivocal support behind Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU. When questioned by RTL and ntv on Tuesday about his stance on the Chancellor, Lauterbach responded, “Definitely.”
Looking at the relationship with the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the SPD politician stated he wanted to offer something positive about Merz. Lauterbach affirmed that he stands behind his refusal to cooperate with the AfD “without any reservations.” He described Merz as a democrat fitting for a chancellor, adding, “He totally convinced me on this matter.” While acknowledging differences in justice policies, he maintained that they share a common democratic direction, an opinion he stressed was “out of the question.”
The SPD politician also praised the Chancellor for his recent comments regarding the system of statutory and private health insurance. “I was surprised, I must say. But pleasantly surprised,” he stated. It appears that Merz has recently developed an awareness of the significant injustices present in the country. Lauterbach anticipates that this proposal will face considerable resistance within the Union, but he conceded, “I believe him when he says he is starting to feel and see this now.”
