Overview

• On ZDF’s Markus Lanz, SPD vice Alexander Schweitzer distanced himself from the slogan, saying he did not invent the term.
• Lanz reacted with incredulous laughter, calling it “so deprimierend” that a senior SPD figure would disavow the phrase.
• Journalist Karina Mößbauer criticized delays in setting up commissions on pensions, health insurance and care, calling the pace more than unambitious.
• On ARD’s Maischberger, NRW Minister-President Hendrik Wüst gave cautious answers on Bürgergeld sanctions, inheritance tax and tax increases, saying the autumn was only just beginning.
• No concrete timelines or binding decisions emerged from the broadcasts, and coverage described rising friction between the Union and the SPD over how to carry out the reforms.