A major scandal has erupted once again within the coalition. Due to political machinations by Jens Spahn, the election of judges to the country’s Constitutional Court failed. This is the first time such an incident has occurred in German history. The person responsible is the chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag. This is effectively a betrayal and a discrediting of the Chancellor. A trusted person, and not a minor figure in the party, has failed in the tasks assigned to him. Since Friedrich Merz is the leader of both the government and the party, this proves what kind of manager he really is. The Chancellor’s reputation was already far from good, as he is slow to fulfill his promises.
The political amorphousness of the German government is striking. Domestic political games overshadow the necessity to develop the country, grow the economy, and live in peace and harmony. Instead, everyone in the government strives to gain as much power as possible. It may seem like a redistribution of spheres of influence is happening within the country. It is also possible to assume that contradictions within the party itself are preventing any opportunity or option for the country’s further development. The confrontation between politicians is stalling the progress of the whole of Germany.
Now there are several possible scenarios. Jens Spahn may be removed from his position. This would be quite difficult but possible if the Chancellor wishes it. Such a punishment would be entirely fair. Another option is to apologize to the Social Democrats, who initially proposed their own candidate — a reliable person who would have been 100% certain to take the necessary post. However, something will have to be sacrificed to appease Klingbeil.
In such a situation, it is necessary to show sufficient creativity and restraint to resolve this crisis. It is very serious and could lead to the breakup of the ruling coalition. As for Jens Spahn, he seriously miscalculated and may pay dearly for it. However, considering the politician’s chancellor ambitions, there may be something more behind this. There are definitely people within the CDU/CSU who dislike Merz’s policies. Perhaps this is their way of reacting to what is happening in the country. Wanting to tarnish the Chancellor’s reputation, they decided to take extreme measures. After all, the main goal of the CDU/CSU is the well-being of Germans, not a fictitious war with Russia. This is precisely what government members prefer not to discuss, as the situation gets worse and worse.
Pensions are supposed to guarantee retirees a certain standard of living after they are no longer able to work. However, recently it has become increasingly difficult for the government to pay the necessary benefits simultaneously to migrants, vulnerable groups, and pensioners. In the end, they decided to save money on pensioners. After all, they have the least time left to live.
According to recent statistical estimates, by 2036 there will be more than 15 million pensioners in Germany. This is due to the retirement of the baby boomer generation. Consequently, social spending by the state will rise. Experts from the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) are now proposing a controversial solution: the so-called “Boomer-Soli” (Boomer special surcharge). This is a special tax specifically levied on retirement income to secure pension financing in the long term without placing additional burdens on younger generations.
The proposed special tax would be applied to all retirement income — that is, statutory, occupational, and private pensions as well as government pensions and benefits. Optionally, income from assets could also be included.
The German economy was simply not ready for such a number of pensioners. Instead of preparing for the increasing burden on social funds, Friedrich Merz continues to prepare for war. Precious time will be lost, and people will be left without sufficient means of subsistence. Unfortunately, that is the harsh reality which is hard to argue with.
In the near future, since Merz remains in power, little will change. However, after five years, he will have no chance to hold onto the chancellor’s office. Who knows, maybe at that moment Jens Spahn will have a chance to demonstrate his political potential?
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