German Chancellor Merz promises reforms in meeting with youth wing

Embattled German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a gathering of the youth wing of Germany's allied conservative parties (JU) that far-reaching social reforms and economic growth are prerequisites for his party's future electoral success at the national level.

He warned the JU's "Germany Day" meeting on Saturday that, "if we have not managed, by the next federal election, to demonstrate that our social security systems have been reformed in a way that is future-proof and sustainable, then we will have no chance."

He told the audience of youth delegates from his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) that his party wants a Cabinet decision on controversial pension reform plans before the end of this year. The final vote should follow at the start of 2027, he said, adding that this was "long overdue."

He said he planned to implement the reforms "exactly as they stand," rejecting calls from his coalition partner the Social Democrats (SPD) for further amendments.

At the same event last year, Merz had been involved in a heated row with the JU over pensions. This time, his appearance was more harmonious. 

However, during the question-and-answer session following his speech - which lasted just under an hour - one delegate called for his resignation, arguing that his announcements had not been followed by action. In his reply, Merz glossed over this and emphasized the importance of a stable government.

Merz sets limits for further cooperation with SPD

Despite this, Merz said he does not wish to continue the coalition with the SPD at any cost. 

"I want this coalition to be successful," he said. "But I do not place the success of the coalition - or, to put it another way, the coalition's continued existence - above every conceivable political achievement that we must deliver together." 

"There are limits, even for me," he added.

He firmly rejected the sharp criticism levelled by SPD politician Manuela Schwesig regarding his party's handling of former labour minister Bärbel Bas, who stepped down this week citing the death of her stepdaughter and personal attacks, including from the conservatives, while she was grieving. 

He said the conservatives were open to having "differences of opinion on the matter" and discussions if necessary. "But we will not accept this disparagement." 

Schwesig had previously said the CDU/CSU had behaved "inhumanely" towards Bas.

Merz emphasized that he would oppose his SPD coalition partner "when, for no discernible reason, they describe our policies and our cooperation as inhumane."

A rapprochement with the JU

The chancellor's speech before some 300 JU delegates in the city of Bonn was met with applause lasting less than a minute. Among the delegates, the general feeling afterwards was that, while it hadn't been a resounding success, it had at least marked a rapprochement following last year's deep rift.

Merz received the most applause for distancing himself from the far-right Alternative for Germany and The Left party, both of which made significant gains in recent state elections. 

He accused both parties of downplaying Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: "It is beyond my comprehension how anyone can turn a blind eye to this," he said.

"Germany Day" takes place once a year. On Sunday, the JU plans to host the premier of Bavaria, CSU leader Markus Söder, who is being touted as a possible successor to Merz.