Overview

• The chancellor rules out tax increases under the coalition agreement, countering SPD leader Lars Klingbeil’s openness to higher rates for the wealthy.
• He downplays tensions within the alliance, saying it does not "clash" and describing differences as being adjusted to enable responsible governing.
• Merz confirms a renewed autumn vote on the constitutional court vacancy after the failed attempt, noting the two‑thirds threshold would require support from AfD or Left MPs and calling the process difficult.
• On the war in Ukraine, he says no one is discussing ground troops at present and frames current talks around security guarantees in the event of a future ceasefire.
• ZDF airs the interview live at 19:10 with a stream on the Mediathek from Sorpesee in Sauerland under BKA security, with questions expected on Bürgergeld, pensions, healthcare and the budget to close the broadcaster’s summer series.