Merz defends reform course and warns coalition partner SPD

At the Junge Union's "Germany Day" Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended the coalition's reform course - and made it clear that he did not want to continue the alliance with the SPD at any price. “I want this coalition to be successful,” he said at the Junge Union’s “Germany Day”.

“But I do not place the success of the coalition, or to put it another way, the continued existence of the coalition, above every conceivable political achievement that we have to achieve together,” emphasized the CDU chairman. "There are limits for me too."

In the future, the Union's signature must also become more recognizable. “It must also be clear who is the larger coalition partner in this coalition and who is the smaller coalition partner,” added Merz.

With regard to Saxony-Anhalt, he warned against cooperation with the AfD. “Anyone in our ranks who is of the opinion that such people should be elected to state office has no place in Germany’s CDU, absolutely nothing,” said Merz. He was referring to the assumption that CDU representatives in the new state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt might have voted for the new state parliament president from the AfD.

At the same time, Merz warned of a possible left-wing government in Berlin. He made serious accusations against the SPD and the Greens. “Anyone who wants to strengthen the political center must not have conversations with left-wing radicals,” he said and added: “Stop going down this path.”

The Union will fight against the left. “We stand up against anyone who questions Israel’s right to exist,” the CDU leader continued. Anti-Semitism has no place in Germany.

The Left, the Greens and the SPD in Berlin have started exploratory talks. According to estimates from the negotiating teams, they could be concluded over the weekend. During the explorations, the topic of anti-Semitism repeatedly led to conflicts and at times even interrupted the discussions.

During his appearance, Merz also emphasized that the reform process must be completed soon. “Reform processes are always associated with discussions and controversies,” said Merz. "They are stirring up the country, they are stirring up our party." Only when they are completed can peace return.

When it comes to pension reform, he expects the Federal Cabinet to make a decision this year. The CDU leader emphasized: "I would like us to implement the Pension Commission's reform proposals as they are on the table."

The Pension Commission's proposal also provides for the abolition of the pension without deductions after 45 years of insurance. There has been resistance to this in the SPD for a long time. Three CDU prime ministers also opposed the plans.

Last year, Merz had a heated argument with the Junge Union delegates over the issue of pensions. Merz also recalled the tense atmosphere at the meeting a year ago in his speech this year. It was a pretty tough discussion.

Merz said it was important to him that the younger generation had a seat at the table when it came to reform.

"I would like us to adopt a reform that is worthy of the name and that, above all, takes into account the young generation in our country in the spirit of intergenerational justice. You deserve that, the young generation deserves that, the whole of Germany deserves that." This time the delegates applauded the Chancellor on this topic.