When it comes to the planned pension and health reforms, the German Bundestag does not want its pace dictated by the black‑red government. Parliamentary speaker Julia Klöckner (CDU) told the Monday editions of the Funke Media Group that the parliament will take the time it needs. She recalled that during the heating law in the previous legislative period, lawmakers rushed the legislation through without allowing time to read hundreds of pages, consult experts, or accurately assess its consequences.
Klöckner added that for the upcoming reforms all actors must take the necessary time, while the parliament should not be expected to give a quick nod. The government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), is planning extensive changes to the social security systems, and expert commissions are expected to submit proposals shortly.
She also emphasized that decisions should be made in parliament, not in a coalition committee made up of senior figures from the CDU, CSU, and SPD. “The coalition committee may meet as often as it wants, but concrete results can only be achieved if laws pass through parliament” she said. “That is why I stress that it should be the German Bundestag-not the rhythm of coalition committees-that sets the agenda and legislation”.