Germany’s longest-serving state premier, Reiner Haseloff of Saxony-Anhalt, is anticipating fundamental reforms from the federal coalition government following the summer recess. Speaking to the “Handelsblatt”, Haseloff emphasized that disagreement is a natural component of democratic process, but swift consensus is crucial across key policy areas.
He specifically highlighted the need for agreement on issues including citizen’s income, the pension system, care for the elderly and healthcare, describing them as vital concerns for both the economy and society requiring urgent resolution.
Haseloff urged the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in particular to embrace changes to social welfare systems and the labour market, warning that a failure to reform risks destabilizing the centre ground. “Without reforms, we will end up with a system that no longer allows for stable conditions in the middle. Anyone who doesn’t recognize that hasn’t understood the situation” he stated, adding that maintaining societal stability is essential to preserving the current welfare state model.
The premier advocated for measures to encourage renewed business investment, stressing the importance of swift, unified action from the Berlin coalition. He argued that demonstrable progress in addressing challenges is vital to navigate upcoming state elections in several regions, including Saxony-Anhalt, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and to avoid difficult political headwinds.