Leading figures within the Social Democratic Party (SPD) are cautioning Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) against downplaying the strength of Germany’s social safety net and implementing cuts to social benefits.
In remarks published Monday by “Bild”, SPD Co-Leader Petra Köpping stated, “Germany is the third-largest economy in the world. To pretend we are on the brink of collapse is irresponsible”. She emphasized the need for reforms, adding, “Before stoking fears of drastic cutbacks and the dismantling of social programs, we would all be well-advised to work together on developing proposals.
Fellow SPD Co-Leader Serpil Midyatli further urged Merz to acknowledge the state’s responsibility to care for all citizens, particularly those facing hardship. “Social Democrats have fought for a strong welfare state for over 160 years. Reducing this to a matter of budgetary constraints will not happen with our cooperation” Midyatli told “Bild”. Her comments follow Merz’s weekend statement that the current form of the German welfare state is “no longer financially sustainable”.