Overview
- In Rust, the chancellor told the Junge Union he will support the coalition’s pension package when it comes before the Bundestag.
- He rejected the €120 billion estimate as a “phantom discussion,” saying a planned post‑2031 reform would prevent such costs.
- The JU and 18 younger CDU/CSU lawmakers argue the draft anchors a 48 percent reference for calculations after 2031 and declare it unacceptable.
- Roughly 30 additional Union members have shown solidarity with the rebels, threatening the coalition’s narrow majority of about twelve seats.
- SPD leader Lars Klingbeil stated the bill will not be changed, leaving the impasse unresolved after Merz’s sharp rebuke of the party youth.