Key facts
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is ready to sacrifice popularity for welfare reform.
- Merz aims to provide younger generations with better prospects through reforms.
- The chancellor believes Germany is decades behind in reforming its retirement system.
- Pension contributions may temporarily increase to address demographic changes.
- Merz's party unveiled a new manifesto emphasizing affordability and justice.
- Plans include lowering the electricity tax and easing housing construction regulations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared on Tuesday his readiness to forgo popularity in opinion polls to implement long-delayed welfare system reforms, which he believes are essential for the younger generation's future prospects. Speaking at an employers' association conference, Merz stated, "I have no intention of becoming the nation's darling. My intention is to set this country on the right course so that, above all, we can once again offer the younger generation decent prospects."