Merz announces top-level meeting on social reforms and defends Warken's plans

Referring to the ongoing debate about the future of the welfare state, Merz said: "We can do it, we can do it if we believe in each other again." He reaffirmed the commitment to a reliable welfare state, which, however, could not remain as it is. The government takes concerns seriously but must also make the necessary decisions.

Merz also pointed to the need for the coalition to be and remain willing to compromise, emphasizing the importance of a joint approach given the different positions between the CDU/CSU and the SPD. "We must concentrate on the essential things," he said, referring to the upcoming deliberations.

In pension policy, Merz advocated for the statutory pension insurance to remain the most important pillar of retirement provision. However, private and occupational pension schemes must also be strengthened. With this, he addressed the conflict over the design of the pension system that has been simmering for months.

Pensions: Statutory insurance remains the most important pillar

The Chancellor also defended the reform agenda in the healthcare and long-term care sector. The proposals by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) envisage significant cuts for insured individuals and their relatives and have been sharply criticized in recent weeks. Merz stood behind his minister's stance without going into specific details of the debate in his speech.

Backing for Warken's reforms

With the top-level meeting planned for Wednesday, the federal government aims to intensify dialogue with social partners on the planned initiatives. Merz signaled a fundamental willingness to incorporate suggestions from trade unions and business associations, but at the same time emphasized the coalition's own claim to shape policy.

The choice of platform was programmatic: at a state party conference in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where the CDU traditionally fights for every vote in federal elections, the message was intended to radiate confidence and the ability to act. Merz combined his reform rhetoric with an appeal for social cohesion and trust in the ability to shape one's own future.

Open questions before coalition compromise

It remains to be seen to what extent the talks on Wednesday will actually lead to changes in the reform drafts presented. The SPD has repeatedly demanded improvements in recent weeks, while business associations are calling for significantly greater relief for contributors. Pressure on the coalition to present viable compromises in the coming weeks is growing.

In his speech, Merz linked the social policy initiatives with a fundamental government statement: the aim is to identify and resolutely tackle the essential tasks. The upcoming deliberations on Wednesday are therefore considered a crucial mood test for the future course of the grand coalition.