PNN – Acknowledging the suffering caused to the public by rising prices, a German political leader emphasized the necessity of implementing reforms.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing the publication Die Zeit, Friedrich Merz called for the swift implementation of reforms—as envisioned by the ruling coalition—during a conference of the Christian Social Union (CSU) in Munich.
In his remarks, Merz stated: We do not need these reforms in the future; we need them now. Many people in our country are suffering due to rising prices, and our social security systems are facing immense challenges.
In another part of his remarks, the German Chancellor stated that a country where work yields results and wealth can be accumulated does not come into existence on its own.
He added: We must modernize our country’s economic, socio-political, and sociological foundations in such a way that they remain robust for the decades to come.
Merz stated: This requires, for instance, competitive energy prices, a reliable regulatory framework, faster decision-making, and a reduction in unnecessary bureaucracy.
He emphasized: The core reform challenges still lie ahead. The Federal Government is currently undertaking the most significant effort in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany toward the digitalization and modernization of our nation. Consequently, the government must ensure that ordinary citizens can once again manage their daily lives without being consumed all day by bureaucracy and administrative paperwork.
Merz pointed to ongoing reform projects—such as those concerning early retirement and active pension schemes—and, in response to criticisms regarding the elimination of certain social benefits, stated: Yes, we certainly want to preserve social security. However, we must design it in a way that remains affordable for future generations.
The Chancellor also urged his coalition partner to continue supporting the reform process. This is also what I expect from the Social Democratic Party, Merz said.
At the same time, Merz expressed confidence regarding Germany’s economic outlook. We have sown the seeds for a bright future in many areas, he remarked.
Merz pointed to the latest forecasts, which indicate that the German economy will grow by 1.3 percent this year—double the previous projections.
Merz further stated that Germany must remain an industrial nation, adding that this is the only way to secure good jobs in the long term.
In making this argument, Merz not only called for investment in digitalization but also emphasized the importance of preserving Germany’s traditional industrial sectors, such as the automotive industry.