Overview
- The chancellor appeared in a live, 60‑minute ARD 'Arena' broadcast in Niederkassel before roughly 150 citizens moderated by Jessy Wellmer and Louis Klamroth.
- Merz said he would phrase his October 'Stadtbild' comments differently, affirmed that Germany needs immigration for sectors like healthcare and care work, and insisted that those who break rules must leave the country.
- He urged a rapid federal–state deal on hospital savings after the Bundesrat blocked the plan, warning that without agreement statutory health contributions could climb by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points from the current 14.6 percent at year’s turn.
- On pensions, he called linking retirement eligibility to years of contributions "worth considering" and said a commission will be set up before Christmas to present recommendations by June 2026 for a comprehensive reform.
- Recent surveys cited in coverage report roughly 70 to 76 percent dissatisfaction with his performance, and audience questions ranged from Ukraine and defense to the Deutsche Bahn and healthcare.