(Adnkronos) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected speculation of a split in his governing coalition before the end of the legislative period. “I consider it inappropriate to speculate now about a minority government,” Merz declared during a conference in Berlin, reiterating his executive’s commitment to push forward with its reform package.
After months of negotiations, in July, Merz’s coalition had reached an agreement on a series of measures aimed at reforming the tax and pension systems and the labor market. However, the package still needs to be approved by Parliament.
Furthermore, the overwhelming victory of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt has prompted members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), a coalition partner, to call for a review of the reforms ahead of two other regional elections scheduled for Sunday, in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. In contrast, Merz reaffirmed his commitment to the reforms, calling them a “test for the coalition.”
