After state election, Merz makes show of unity with SPD conservatives

Friedrich Merz and Lars Klingbeil shared a stage at the SPD Seeheim Circle’s garden party, presenting a united front just hours after the historic state election in Saxony-Anhalt.

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We want to achieve successes together. And I think we are now really called upon to do that.

The appearance brought together the chancellor and CDU leader with the vice chancellor and SPD leader at an event hosted by the more conservative wing of the SPD parliamentary group. Merz said the two parties wanted to achieve successes together and were now being called upon to do so.

Klingbeil warned that the coalition must not allow pressure from the far right to drive it apart. “The greatest favor we could do these far-right agitators would be to let this coalition come under pressure because of them,” he said.

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The greatest favor we could do these far-right agitators would be to let this coalition come under pressure because of them.

The show of unity followed calls from senior SPD politicians to reopen debate on some government reforms, including pension policy. Merz nevertheless made clear that the reform agenda would continue. “Yes, the reforms are necessary. But we also have to tell people why they are necessary,” he said.

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Yes, the reforms are necessary. But we also have to tell people why they are necessary.

Klingbeil said reforms must improve people’s lives and that the coalition’s priority was to find workable solutions. “That is what matters in a democracy: being prepared to find compromises and find a common path,” he said.

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That is what matters in a democracy: being prepared to find compromises and find a common path.