Federal Labour Minister Bärbel Bas has expressed confidence in the commitment of Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the current coalition, despite significant disagreements regarding the scope of the social welfare state
In an interview with the magazine “Stern” Bas stated she believes the Chancellor is genuinely invested in the success of the governing partnership “I take the Chancellor at his word that he wants success with this coalition” she said, adding she was not privy to speculation within Merz’s own party regarding alternative government arrangements, including the possibility of a minority government
Bas’s comments follow a recent address to delegates at a regional meeting of the Young Socialists (Jusos) in North Rhine-Westphalia, where she directly challenged recent statements made by Merz questioning the financial sustainability of the existing social security system Bas forcefully refuted the claims, stating the debate over the affordability of the social welfare system was, in her view, unfounded She used strong language to convey her disagreement, a statement she preemptively apologized for, but maintained was necessary