During his address at the German Trade Union Federation (DGB) federal congress on Tuesday, CDU chairman Friedrich Merz received a mixture of laughter and boos. Merz centered his speech on a comprehensive reform agenda. A statement that the necessary changes should not be considered “too big” when weighed against the great level of social security already available in the country-and intended to be maintained-provoked audible opposition.
He addressed the health care reform, asserting that it would ensure stability for many years to come. He stressed that contributions are required from all parties involved: service providers, manufacturers, the insured, employers, and the health insurance funds. This point also met with protests from the audience.
Looking ahead, Merz indicated plans to continue the discussion surrounding care services until May, aiming to establish stable finances in that sector. He then noted that the most difficult undertaking will undoubtedly be the reform of the statutory pension insurance.
Merz further explained that the expert commission currently tasked with this issue will submit its proposals within a few weeks. He assured attendees that the necessary political decisions would follow during the summer months. When defending his stance, he emphasized that these measures were not driven by personal dislike or malice from him or the federal government, but rather by the constraints of “demography and mathematics”.
