Merkus vows to trade poll popularity for sweeping welfare reforms

At an employers' association gathering in Frankfurt, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced he is prepared to sacrifice his standing in opinion polls to implement overdue welfare changes that would improve prospects for younger Germans. He emphasized that his priority is setting the country on the right course rather than seeking popularity. Merz highlighted that Germany's pay-as-you-go retirement scheme is at least thirty years late and that temporary increases in pension contributions from both employees and employers will be necessary to address demographic shifts.

The remarks follow the resignation of the SPD labour minister on Monday, which has heightened uncertainty for Merz's coalition after recent state election losses and a dip in poll numbers. He framed the reforms as essential for restoring confidence in the nation's social safety net.