Merz defends coalition reform package in Bundestag, calls Germany 'a strong country'
Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented his government's 34-measure reform agenda to the Bundestag, defending tax cuts and a controversial sick note rule while addressing NATO summit tensions.
Coalition unity and a strong country
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) opened his government declaration on Thursday morning by stressing the coalition's ability to govern. "Only this coalition of CDU/CSU and SPD" could provide reliable answers in the current difficult situation, he said. Merz described Germany as "a strong country, economically, politically and socially." He acknowledged that compromises were sometimes made "at the limit of what one considers justifiable."
The 34-measure reform package
The black-red coalition had agreed on a package of 34 measures the previous week to boost the economy and secure employment. A central element is a tax reform with a relief volume of 10 billion euros. Reporting obligations for companies will be abolished, a step Merz called a "real liberation" for businesses. The Bundestag is also set to approve automatic child benefit (antragsloses Kindergeld), which will be paid after a child's birth without an application.
Sick note requirement sparks debate
The plan to abolish telephone sick notes and require a doctor's certificate from the first day of illness is expected to dominate the subsequent debate. Medical associations and trade unions have protested. Merz described the measure as a "hard decision," defended by leading Union politicians who point to an allegedly high sickness rate compared with other countries.
NATO summit backdrop
Merz also addressed the NATO summit in Ankara, where US President Donald Trump had sharply criticized allies, testing the alliance's cohesion once again. The chancellor's remarks came just after his return from the summit.
Parliamentary agenda and next steps
After the 20-minute declaration, a one-and-a-half-hour debate followed. The Bundestag will also discuss opposition motions on patient rights and working conditions in science. The session is scheduled to run late into the night, with the final sitting before the summer recess set for the following day.
- Merz delivers 20-minute government declaration on reforms and NATO summit.
- One-and-a-half-hour debate with opposition criticism expected.
- Final vote on automatic child benefit without application.
- Debate on opposition motions on patient rights and academic working conditions.
- Session continues late into the night before final sitting before summer recess.
