CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn has called on his coalition partner, the SPD, to commit to an agreement regarding planned reforms. Spahn told “Bild am Sonntag” that the coalition needed to take a “prosperity vow,” pledging that growth must take priority. He suggested that if the joint commitment to advancing the economy were adopted, decisions could be made before the end of the session.
While acknowledging that governing with the Union and the SPD is “sometimes arduous,” Spahn remained optimistic that the coalition would find solutions even on controversial issues such as the infrastructure law and the electoral reform. “We will continue to meet until we have reached decisions,” he affirmed.
Spahn also strongly backed federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz against internal criticism and denied any personal plans for the Chancellorship. “Friedrich Merz is not a ‘cuddly chancellor.’ He is someone who says what he thinks, who is willing to challenge others, but who also gets things done and wants what is right, jointly with this coalition,” Spahn stated.
Regarding debates about a potential change of chancellor with the North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President, Hendrik Wüst (CDU), Spahn dismissed the idea as “nonsense.” Furthermore, the parliamentary group leader explicitly ruled out any personal ambitions for himself. “I have no ambitions, so I simply exclude them,” he added.
Spahn noted that he has been a member of parliament for over two decades, emphasizing that the parliament remains the “heart chamber of democracy.” He concluded by calling it a “truly wonderful task” to serve as the chairman of the largest parliamentary group.
