CDU General Secretary Franziska Hoppermann has dismissed speculation that the Union party is considering moving toward a universal citizen’s health insurance system. Speaking to Politico, Hoppermann asserted that this is “not happening with the CDU, and certainly not with the CSU.”
She also clarified that statements made by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the unequal treatment of private versus statutory patients should not be interpreted as a proposal to fundamentally restructure the healthcare system. According to Hoppermann, Merz was referring to patient management issues and waiting times for doctor appointments, adding that these matters have “no relation to the basic structure of our health insurance.” Furthermore, she stated that Merz announced no specific reforms, only highlighted topics that require attention because “they are issues that move the people.”
In the wake of recent electoral losses suffered by the Union and the SPD in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hoppermann is pressing for quicker reform efforts from the federal government. She stressed that pension reform is the highest priority, commenting, “The very first thing that needs to happen now is the draft bill concerning pensions.” She noted that the coalition is currently awaiting the appropriate draft before starting detailed discussions.
As another central priority, Hoppermann identified the fight against misuse of the social welfare system. At the CDU federal executive board, discussions were held following the election week regarding whether individuals who have paid into social insurance should be treated differently from those who have not at job centers. She concluded that this entire range of issues is something the party must address immediately.
Finally, Hoppermann acknowledged that there is still room for improvement regarding specialist care and overall healthcare delivery structures, stating that a “big step remains to be taken.” However, she firmly maintained that these problems cannot be resolved by switching the entire health insurance system.
