Friedrich Merz optimistic on citizens' income reform
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced in a TV interview a soon-to-come agreement in the coalition on citizens' income reform. He also criticized the pace of government work and the EU combustion engine ban. Merz called Vladimir Putin an enemy of the European order.
In an interview with Pinar Atalay on the n-tv talk show, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) expressed optimism about reforming citizens' income. The black-red coalition of CDU, CSU, and SPD is 'shortly before deciding that this week,' Merz said. Possibly, some 'minor follow-up work' would be needed next week, as it concerns a new basic security system. Currently, discussions focus on what can be demanded from people 'who do not participate in reintegration into the job market.' Proposals for a legislative process could be available next week.
Merz criticized the coalition's working pace: 'I could have imagined that we would have made some decisions earlier.' External factors like crises at home and abroad are slowing the government. He is particularly concerned about the economic growth crisis; the situation is worse than in June. The industry is 'not only at the stress limit – it is beyond it.'
Just before a Thursday meeting in the Chancellery on the auto industry's situation, Merz spoke out against the EU ban on new combustion engines from 2035. 'My clear view is that we cannot maintain this so-called combustion engine ban in this form,' he said. He advocates for technological openness and research on engines, including heavy diesels. The topic has not yet been fully discussed in the coalition.
On Russia, Merz called Putin 'an enemy of our political order,' who is waging a 'hybrid war,' including an information war and a military war against Ukraine. Germany supports Ukraine to defend the European order. Nevertheless, Merz believes Putin will one day be ready for talks.