German trade unions give Merz's reform push a frosty reception

"These reform projects are not a threat; they are a great opportunity,"

"Merz warned that demographic trends will mean that a shrinking share of younger workers will have to support growing numbers of pensioners in the future."

"Merz had previously promised an "autumn of reforms" to cut costs in Germany's social welfare system, but legislation has been slow to materialise."

"The sputtering performance of Europe's largest economy - which is widely forecast to grow only about 0.5 percent this year -- is "simply too little to maintain our prosperity""

Trade union leaders in Berlin gave Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s reform agenda a hostile reception during a speech to the German Trade Union Confederation. Hecklers shouted down Merz’s call for pension overhaul and other measures aimed at changing welfare and labor market rules to revive a stagnant economy. Merz said the reforms were an opportunity rather than a threat, while his coalition with the center-left Social Democrats faced a bitter dispute over the reform push. Approval ratings fell to record lows after he took office. Merz promised an “autumn of reforms,” but legislation moved slowly. He later pledged to pass pension reforms by late summer and warned that demographic trends will increase the burden on younger workers supporting more pensioners, calling for more private investment for retirement funding.

Read at The Local Germany