CDU leader Merz sees gaps in the coalition agreement regarding social reforms

Berlin. Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz (CDU) has admitted that the coalition agreement between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) contains many gaps on pensions, healthcare, and long-term care . The agreement is "vague," Merz said at the CDU's small party conference in Berlin on Monday.

The next federal government must do more “than just describe the problem.” A health policy is needed that gives citizens the “justified feeling” that medical and nursing care is adequate.

“More personal responsibility and more efficiency”

However, this challenge cannot be solved with more money, higher taxes, and higher social security contributions. Rather, Merz said, what is needed is "more personal responsibility and greater efficiency in the system."

Merz emphasized: "We must break the spiral of ever-increasing contributions, ever-increasing tax subsidies, and ever-worsening benefits." The Chancellor-designate added that the government must pursue reforms that go beyond the provisions of the coalition agreement. In their current form, the social systems are not sustainable.

Merz had previously announced the names of the CDU's designated ministers in the next cabinet. Lawyer Nina Warken from Baden-Württemberg is set to become Minister of Health. (bwa)