German leaders clash over stalled infrastructure law

Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised the Social Democratic Party for blocking the Infrastructure Future Law, which aims to accelerate major construction projects and unlock a €500 billion special fund for rail and road upgrades. Merz warned that his patience with the SPD was ending and urged that the law be passed before the parliamentary summer break, saying, “My patience is now at its end, also with the Social Democrats.”

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, while acknowledging the coalition tensions, emphasized the need for a broader reform agenda. He called for cutting bureaucracy, lowering taxes, and boosting high‑technology investment, presenting Bavaria as a model for faster reform and economic growth. Söder stressed continued cooperation with the SPD despite the infrastructure dispute.