A leading voice within the CDU is urging both the CDU/CSU and the SPD to adopt a more measured approach to ongoing debates surrounding social reforms Dennis Radtke, Chairman of the Christian Democratic Employees’ Association (CDA), cautioned against unproductive rhetoric, stating that the governing parties should avoid escalating demands and counter-claims
Radtke emphasized the necessity of modernization to preserve Germany’s social safety net, dismissing extreme characterizations of the system as either financially unsustainable or subject to dismantling through reform He expressed confidence in the proposals expected from the coalition’s appointed commissions and anticipates a constructive decision-making process
He specifically called on the SPD to actively engage in the reform process, criticizing what he termed “irresponsible opposition behavior” if they consistently reject necessary changes, particularly concerning the “Bürgergeld” (basic citizen’s income) Radtke also noted a communication gap, suggesting that the coalition’s dialogue has faltered compared to earlier stages of negotiation and cautioned against adopting an oppositional mindset
Meanwhile, Gitta Connemann, Federal Chairwoman of the Centre-Right Mittelstandsunion, increased pressure on the SPD, highlighting the potential for unsustainable increases in social contribution rates if social insurance funds are not reformed She warned that this could jeopardize jobs, economic growth and ultimately the viability of the social state itself
Connemann also raised concerns about fairness, suggesting the current system disincentivizes work for some She called for a return to the principle of “promoting and demanding” advocating for decisive action to implement essential reforms and address perceived imbalances within the social welfare system