Van Aken stated that Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has argued the country can no longer afford its current level of social spending, with the SPD acquiescing by freezing the “Bürgergeld” at what he termed an already insufficient level He countered that the real issue is the affordability of billionaires and their influence on political decision-making
According to Van Aken, Merz is allocating substantial tax breaks to affluent individuals and corporations, alongside significant investment in military build-up He challenged the assertion that cuts to social welfare programs are unavoidable, suggesting the public will not accept such justifications He further claims these measures are framed as necessary despite substantial financial resources being directed elsewhere
