Overview
- In a live ARD 'Arena' in Niederkassel, the chancellor fielded questions from about 150 citizens on pensions, healthcare, Deutsche Bahn, Ukraine and possible service duty.
- He said Germany needs immigration to sustain sectors such as medicine and care, while stressing that residents must follow the rules and that those who do not should leave.
- Merz stated the government aims to prevent higher statutory health insurance contributions and indicated openness to a flexible pension start linked to contribution years.
- He reiterated a firewall against the AfD with no cooperation, backed Ukraine’s defense with a focus on voluntary service before any conscription debate, and affirmed commitment to Israel alongside support for a future Palestinian state.
- The broadcast came as recent Forsa polling shows high dissatisfaction with his performance, while Dieter Bohlen’s public criticism and an unverified claim of pre‑election phone calls drew wider media attention.