Overview

• Merz argued Germany is living beyond its means and said current funding cannot sustain today’s social insurance setup.
• He warned of painful decisions and cuts tied to reforms meant to lift employment and growth with stronger personal responsibility.
• He emphasized keeping health, long-term care and pension insurance capable of delivering benefits without being overburdened.
• The CDU–SPD coalition plans to address several major changes to the welfare state in the autumn, according to government reporting.
• He said he is determined to steer the coalition through a laborious path to renew the country, placing accountability on politics rather than recipients.