Friedrich Merz signals reform momentum at summer press conference

Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the traditional summer press conference by declaring that the black‑red coalition “has taken a foothold”. He highlighted a package of reforms adopted by the “Entlastungskabinett”, including the abolition of extra safety checks on kitchen appliances and chargers, the removal of the mandatory safety officer for small firms, the end of paper doctor‑prescription slips, digital appointments with the Jobcentre, and the cessation of the environmental badge for e‑cars. The government estimates the measures will save around €600 million a year.

Merz also pointed to recent legislative achievements: a health‑insurance reform that stabilises contributions, the implementation of pension‑commission recommendations, the Climate and Transformation Fund’s revised budget, and the launch of the Germany Fund to support start‑ups and energy‑infrastructure projects. He acknowledged the need for further reforms – inheritance‑tax changes, inclusion of civil servants in the statutory social insurance, and a balanced pension overhaul – and warned that fiscal limits force cuts to social spending.

Polls released during the briefing showed a deep dissatisfaction with the government: more than four in‑five Germans rate the cabinet unfavourably, and Merz’s personal approval sits at roughly 14 percent. The CSU’s regional leader suggested that the coalition could be extended to an eight‑year project, while Merz warned against any cooperation with the AfD in upcoming state elections. Overall, the coalition presents a modest economic outlook with growth near zero and inflation targeted at 2.9 % for 2026.