Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been harshly criticized by unions for the plans to reform the pension system.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz was met with criticism and boos at the Federal Congress of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), where he discussed reforms to the mandatory pension system. Merz emphasized the need for openness to change from both employers and employees, stating that everyone must contribute to benefit from a modernized system.

Negative reactions from the unions were evident, with DGB President Yasmin Fahimi warning that they do not wish to return to working conditions from before 1918. Merz acknowledged that Germany needs to return to this and highlighted the impact of external crises on social policy. Meanwhile, the far-right AfD party has gained electoral support, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with the government and rising fuel prices, which has amplified citizens' frustration with current economic policies.