Coalition Agreementโ on citizens’ Money possible “Promptly,” โSays Merz
Berlin – A swift agreement within teh governing coalition on the implementation of the “citizens’ money” (Bรผrgergeld) welfare reform is absolutely possible, according to CDU leader Friedrich merz. Speaking in an interview, Merz acknowledged the difficultiesโ facing โฃtheโ coalition government, citing both domestic economic challenges and international crises.
Merz expressed concern over the current economic climate, noting a decline in optimism as june. “The situation is difficult,” he stated, adding that industry has “not only reached the loadโ limit – it is beyond.” While acknowledging government efforts, he โฃsaid โtheir impact has yet to be fully felt in the labor market and economic growth, warning, “There is still a lot to come.”
The CDU leader also reiterated his opposition to the planned EU ban on new combustion engineโ cars from 2035, calling it a “wrong ban.” โคHe advocatedโ for a technology-open approach, emphasizing continued research into engine technology, including diesel engines, and Germany’s participation in these advancements. “We shouldn’t forbid, we should enable technologies, and thatโ is my goal,” Merz said. He noted โthe issue hasn’t yet been discussed within the coalition.
Turning to foreign policy, Merz delivered a strong condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing him as โฃ”an enemy of our political order” waging aโ “hybrid war” against germany through informationโ warfare and military aggression in Ukraine. He affirmed Germany’sโข commitment to supporting Ukraine in defending the political orderโค of open, free societies in Europe. โ While asserting โขPutin currently seeks to destroy through bombing rather than negotiate, Merz expressed belief that aโฃ day for โtalks will eventually arrive.
Merz also highlighted “numerous problems and crises at home and abroad” impacting the coalition’s work, stating, “There are many factors thatโ severelyโ affect our work.”โข A meeting isโ scheduled for Thursday at โthe Chancellery to discuss the โfuture of the automotiveโ industry with federalโ ministers, state representatives,โ industry leaders, and union officials.