Overview
- At a reception in Halle, the chancellor said the coalition’s strategy was not good enough and promised to explain policies more and take people along.
- He cited early signs of hope for 2026, noting inflation fell below 2% late in 2025, industrial orders rose in November and December, and start-up formation increased.
- Business associations remain dissatisfied with the government’s economic push, arguing it has done too little to stimulate activity.
- Merz cautioned against pessimism and pressed for higher labor input, rejecting a four-day week and urging longer working hours.
- Lingering coalition disputes, including the initially failed selection of Constitutional Court judges and tensions over a pensions package, continue to weigh on perceptions of governance.