Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Minister President, Manuela Schwesig (SPD), has called upon the federal government to significantly revise its reform plans. Speaking to the news channel “Welt” on Monday, she stated that only by doing so can they earn the trust of the democratic center. Schwesig voiced her concern about the rise of the AfD, stating that it gives her worry not only as a politician but also as a mother.
“I am myself the mother of a ten-year-old daughter,” she said. She expressed deep discomfort watching the tone and language used by the AfD, emphasizing that she does not want her child or her generation to “grow up in such a hardened society.” Schwesig stressed that she stands for “respect and good coexistence.”
Friedrich Merz (CDU), also brought the issues to the fore. He argued that the federal chancellor must first change his approach when addressing the public. Merz disputed the chancellor’s sometimes derogatory remarks, stating that claims that everyone works too little and that a four-day work week is feasible ignore the reality on the ground, particularly in his state. “Many people work full-time. Many have children to care for, and at the same time care for dependent relatives. This is a huge juggling act. And many do this on small incomes. Therefore, it is crucial to support this central working class.”
Beyond changes in rhetoric, Schwesig insisted that the overall reform policy requires a thorough examination. She urged the chancellor and the entire federal government to learn from the recent election. “A different political approach must be taken in Germany,” Schwesig demanded. While affirming the need for social reforms and the stabilization of the welfare state without increasing labor costs, she criticized the current burden distribution. “It cannot be that those who work the most and pay in the most bear the largest share of the burden. This is perceived as unfair by many. It is therefore essential to redirect policy, and most importantly, ensure that the economy, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, is advanced again.” She concluded that economic prospects and social justice are two fundamental elements necessary for the democratic center to demonstrate how a country can be successfully guided into the future.
In a specific policy demand, Schwesig renewed her call to reverse the cancellation of the tax-free pension after 45 contribution years. “A small hardship regulation is not enough. It is not acceptable that people who work and pay in the longest are those who end up bearing the greatest load.” She welcomed the input from the chancellor and politicians like Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil, stating that these issues must be re-discussed.
In addition to re-evaluating social reforms, Schwesig demanded concrete solutions to address record fuel prices. She argued that commuters, artisans, farmers, and care workers cannot continue to pay €2.40 per liter. She criticized the chancellor for rejecting every proposal made to lower prices. “The fuel discount has expired. He does not want a price cap. Nor a windfall tax. Nor a reduction in the CO2 price. But you cannot constantly say ‘No, No, No’ to the problem while offering no single original proposal or solution.”
