Pension reform revolt — Eastern Germany challenges the Chancellor | Berlin Briefing Podcast
A landmark pension reform was supposed to prove that Germany CAN do reforms. Instead, it's triggering a backlash from eastern Germany and exposing deep divisions
A landmark pension reform was supposed to prove that Germany CAN do reforms. Instead, it's triggering a backlash from eastern Germany and exposing deep divisions within Chancellor Friedrich Merz's own party. Why is Germany's pension system under pressure? Why are eastern regions resisting key reforms? And could this become a serious threat to the government itself?
In this episode of Berlin Briefing, Max Hofmann and Michaela Küfner speak with leading economist Veronika Grimm about the economics, politics, and demographic realities shaping Germany's future. Chapters 00:00 A reform under fire 03:25 Inside Germany’s pension plan 05:59 The demographic challenge 07: 37 Saving the welfare state
10:13 A burden for future generations 13:24 The fragile compromise 16:08 Eastern resistance builds 20:56 Can the gap be closed? 23:58 Pressure from within 28:16 Why reforms can’t wait 31:08 Germany’s growth problem 32:44 Why Merz needs a win For more news go to Related Berlin Briefing Episodes:
Merz's cabinet reshuffle reveals about his leadership | Berlin Briefing Podcast You can listen to DW Berlin Briefing on Apple Podcasts Spotify Subscribe to the Berlin Briefing newsletter For more news go to Follow DW on social media ► ►TikTok ► ► Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie Subscribe
The BriefWire