Overview

• Appearing as the sole guest on ARD's "Caren Miosga," Friedrich Merz said a Bürgergeld compromise is very near, with results expected in October.
• He indicated pension changes would follow a commission report presenting proposals by next autumn rather than immediate legislation.
• The interview followed the government's newly unveiled "Modernisierungsagenda" to slim state structures and advance digital administration.
• Recent polls show declining support for the coalition, with some surveys placing the AfD ahead of the Union, raising pressure for visible progress.
• Merz became visibly emotional when discussing Jewish life and children's suffering, in a broadcast that is now available via the ARD Mediathek.