The Chancellor, Friedrich Merz of the CDU, has called for a “new consensus on justice” during a debate concerning reforms to the social welfare system. Addressing the Bundestag during a general debate on Wednesday, the Chancellor emphasized that the ongoing reform discussions represent “nothing less than a matter of justice” and necessitate a re-evaluation of what fairness means in the current era.
Specifically regarding the pension system, the Chancellor indicated that the existing intergenerational contract needs to be “re-imagined”. He affirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing these social welfare reforms with resolve, emphasizing the need to avoid placing an undue burden on younger generations while concurrently ensuring older generations can enjoy a secure retirement, reflective of their lifetime contributions. “We must also restructure our pension system” he stated, adding that societal changes require corresponding adjustments in policy.
The Chancellor also defended his administration’s foreign policy approach in the early months of its tenure, framing it as a form of “reform policy” intrinsically linked to domestic affairs. He asserted that the traditional separation of internal and external policy is obsolete, as Germany’s engagement abroad contributes directly to the preservation of freedom, peace and prosperity within the nation.
Responding to a perceived trend of lamenting the powerlessness of politics amid a increasingly complex global landscape, the Chancellor dismissed this sentiment. He cited the recent adjustments in migration policy as a positive example, reporting a 60% reduction in asylum seeker arrivals when comparing August 2024 to August 2025.
The general debate regarding the Chancellor’s budget traditionally marks the culmination of the budget week, often featuring a direct exchange between the governing coalition and the opposition. While focused on the federal budget, the discussion routinely encompasses a broad range of federal policies. The debate commenced with remarks by Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD, the largest opposition faction, who had previously accused the Chancellor of complacency and a disconnect from reality.