German politician (SPD)
Due to economic situation: Government halts allowance increase: The governing coalition does not want to increase the salaries of members of parliament - | and ...
t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/innenpolitik/id_101287532/wegen-wirtschaftslage-regierung-stoppt-diaetenerhoehung.html
Civil servants into retirement? SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch weighs the options
tagesschau.de/inland/bericht-aus-berlin-rentenreform-100.html
Reforms: These six negotiators are now crucial: The coalition is entering a crucial week of negotiations. To prevent a collapse, the CDU/CSU and SPD have ...
faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/reformen-auf-diese-sechs-verhandler-kommt-es-jetzt-an-accg-200908551.html
Pension reform: According to Miersch, members of parliament should pay into the pension insurance system
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-06/reformplaene-rente-miersch-bas
SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch sees no future for fuel discounts: The tax cuts on diesel and gasoline are to remain in effect until the end of June ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/spd-verlaengerung-tankrabatt-100.html
Coalition dispute over tax reform: Miersch warns against Spahn's "lawnmower" - | "A lot will break"
op-online.de/politik/koalitions-krach-um-sparplan-miersch-bremst-spahns-rasenmaeher-idee-zr-94311934.html
Fuel discount row in the coalition: Söder pushes ahead—and opposes Miersch’s clear rejection
op-online.de/politik/top-oder-flop-soeder-plaediert-fuer-verlaengerung-des-tankrabatts-zr-94310981.html
Text message promises: Coalition wants to present a reform package by July: Previously, the coalition had planned several reform packages; now there will be one ...
schwaebische.de/politik/sms-nachricht-verspricht-koalition-will-bis-juli-ein-reformpaket-vorlegen-4572738
Friedrich Merz, Bas, Miersch: It wasn’t meant that way after all!: Friedrich Merz sets the example, others follow suit: Why top politicians are afflicted by a ...
stern.de/politik/friedrich-merz--bas--miersch--war-doch-alles-nicht-so-gemeint--37386928.html
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Vote of confidence: CSU leader Söder is against it - Chancellor Merz too: Should Chancellor Merz combine the announced reforms with a vote of confidence? CSU ...
zdfheute.de/politik/koalition-cdu-csu-spd-soeder-miersch-100.html
With his remarks on the statutory pension made yesterday, Monday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz drew heavy criticism during today’s party caucus statements ... Show more
Key FactsMerz Calls for New Approaches to Retirement Security
Apr 21, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
- Statutory pension insurance will serve only as a basic safety net for old age in the future.
- Significantly increased capital-funded occupational and private pensions are required beyond current voluntary levels.
- A government-appointed commission will present long-term pension reform recommendations by summer 2026.
- Merz urges the SPD to remove ongoing obstacles in implementing reforms related to energy and taxation.
It will no longer be enough to secure the standard of living over the long term.— Merz said this at the reception for the 75th anniversary of the German Banking Association.
“All options on the table”: SPD parliamentary group leader considers new debt due to war in Iran
n-tv.de/politik/SPD-Fraktionschef-fasst-neue-Schulden-wegen-Iran-Kriegs-ins-Auge-id30754407.html
Key FactsIran Crisis Sparks Debt Brake and Relief Debate
Apr 25, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
- SPD leader Matthias Miersch suggests suspending the debt brake if the Iran crisis causes prolonged economic damage.
- Union politicians reject new debt and instead call for reforms, bureaucracy reduction, and budget cuts.
- The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threatens supply chains with significant economic repercussions beyond fuel.
- A fuel discount will be implemented from May for two months to mitigate the rise in prices caused by the conflict.
Whoever categorically rules out such an approach, instead of taking the necessary precautions, is apparently not aware of the dimensions of the upheavals that will come upon us if the Iran crisis continues.— Matthias Miersch (SPD parliamentary group leader) in a NOZ interview about the Iran crisis and the debt dispute.
A few days ago, a statement by SPD politician Matthias Miersch drew fierce criticism from the ranks of coalition partner CDU ... Show more
Fuel prices are rising again: ADAC criticizes fuel discount: Fuel prices rose significantly over the weekend and have settled above the €2 mark.
focus.de/finanzen/news/sprit-wieder-teurer-adac-kritisiert-tankrabatt_5af68533-14ef-4bfe-a543-0a07ba1ef71f.html
,regionOfInterest=(1024,712)&hash=3a89a78abd6906762f2d04d0e19d02b33b15612408567c75d1c3fb2c02f57d11)
Free co-insurance: Miersch and Söder want to renegotiate health insurance savings package
n-tv.de/politik/Miersch-und-Soeder-wollen-bei-Krankenkassen-Sparpaket-nachverhandeln-id30781623.html
So much for reconciliation: Miersch on Merz: | "You can't really run the Chancellery like that"
n-tv.de/politik/Miersch-ueber-Merz-So-kann-man-eigentlich-kein-Kanzleramt-fuehren-id30772429.html
SPD parliamentary group rejects reform plans for energy transition - and does not rule out new debt
focus.de/politik/deutschland/miersch-lehnt-reiche-plaene-ab-und-erwaegt-neue-schulden_447a83d1-c7b0-4b1d-9e62-133cdd7266d1.html
,regionOfInterest=(1024,683)&hash=a97256bfaa953c5400e0581c40f9aa4f6abc670c8bf81c77b03ce5f91ff97564)
Key FactsSPD Opposes Energy Plans, Considers Debt Suspension
Apr 25, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
- The SPD parliamentary group refuses to support Economic Minister Reiche’s renewable energy reform proposals.
- Matthias Miersch suggests suspending the debt brake if the Iran crisis causes severe economic consequences for Germany.
- The redispatch clause in the draft law raises investor risks by cutting compensation for renewable plants during grid overloads.
- Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil reportedly vetoed several reform initiatives during internal government negotiations.
The Redispatch proviso can become the killer of renewable energy expansion and must be scrapped.— Matthias Miersch, in an interview with the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung
SPD’s debt proposal sparks outrage: CDU/CSU demands serious austerity proposals from Klingbeil
n-tv.de/politik/Union-fordert-ernsthafte-Sparvorschlaege-von-Klingbeil-id30757800.html
Budget emergency due to Iran crisis – demands from the SPD: The coalition is rumbling: SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch wants to declare a budget ...
zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/haushaltsnotlage-iran-schulden-forderungen-spd-100.html
Chancellor sees no emergency: Merz rebuffs SPD demand for new debt: SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch raised the possibility of suspending the debt brake ...
n-tv.de/politik/Merz-gibt-SPD-Forderung-nach-neuen-Schulden-eine-Abfuhr-id30761396.html
Debt, health, energy: The SPD is taking a hard line with the CDU: There is friction within the German governing coalition of the CDU, CSU, and SPD ...
nzz.ch/deutschland/schulden-gesundheit-energie-die-spd-inszeniert-sich-entschlossen-als-partei-des-status-quo-ld.10004520
“Miersch’s proposal will not contribute to satisfaction” Debt brake dispute: "Miersch's proposal will not be satisfactory" - | Video - | WELT
OpinionThe masochistic government - | and Miersch is really embarrassing: The CDU and SPD are suffering from their own shortcomings. How can voters approve of a policy ...
focus.de/kultur/kino-tv/die-masochisten-regierung-und-miersch-wird-echt-peinlich_ee6cb2cd-f3a8-4714-aa34-43739cd44b11.html
,regionOfInterest=(1038.5,589.5)&hash=f9cccdf8389348a527375bab477cdd01f09e4252032839c0eb773ff3c06fe88a)
Middelberg rejects Miersch's "reflex" to incur debt: Deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Mathias Middelberg, rejects the debt considerations of ...
noz.de/deutschland-welt/politik/artikel/middelberg-lehnt-mierschs-reflex-zum-schuldenmachen-ab-50561884
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Brinkhaus and Miersch on "Hart aber fair": "Now I know where my ally is": Ein CDU-Mann für erneuerbare Energien und Tempolimit? Ralf Brinkhaus entdeckt bei „Hart ...
sueddeutsche.de/medien/brinkhaus-cdu-miersch-spd-hart-aber-fair-louis-klamroth-tempolimit-benzin-energie-bundesregierung-li.3470854
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What makes the AfD strong? Not the government's incompetence, but criticism of it, says SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch
weltwoche.de/daily/was-macht-die-afd-stark-nicht-die-inkompetenz-der-regierung-sondern-kritik-daran-meint-spd-mann-miersch/
“Ridiculous and insufficient”: Heidi Reichinnek tears apart relief package: A gas discount and a 1,000-euro bonus are intended to ease the burden on Germans ...
hna.de/politik/laecherlich-und-nicht-ausreichend-heidi-reichinnek-zerpflueckt-entlastungspaket-zr-94271092.html
ARD talk show "Hart aber fair" - | The topic and guests on Monday: In the ARD talk show "Hart aber fair" (Hard but Fair), host Louis Klamroth will welcome ...
stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.ard-talkshow-hart-aber-fair-das-thema-und-die-gaeste-am-montag.26874640-b525-4e2d-941d-01847babf331.html
Miersch demands right to a prompt specialist appointment: Those who need an appointment with a specialist often wait for months. SPD parliamentary group leader ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/facharzttermine-gesetzlicher-anspruch-100.html
"That's bullshit": Head of statutory health insurance physicians rants against guaranteed appointments with specialists and warns of 50-day waiting times
tagesspiegel.de/politik/das-ist-bullshit-kassenarzte-chef-poltert-gegen-termingarantie-beim-facharzt-und-warnt-vor-50-tagen-wartezeit-15438433.html
At the urging of several members of parliament, Chancellor Friedrich Merz briefly addressed the issue of digital violence against women during Wednesday’s ... Show more
Jens Spahn: "Homosexual, that sounds terrible to me. Sterile": Jens Spahn (CDU) has little use for the label "homosexual".
morgenpost.de/politik/article411624365/jens-spahn-homosexuell-das-klingt-fuer-mich-furchtbar-steril.html
Jens Spahn and Matthias Miersch • Z+ Recommendation: | "Homosexual, that sounds terrible to me" - | "Same here"
zeit.de/2026/15/jens-spahn-matthias-miersch-fraktionschefs-cdu-spd-homosexualitaet
Paid articlePaywall After turmoil in the Bundestag: SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch criticizes Merz for remarks on violence against women
spiegel.de/politik/spd-fraktionschef-matthias-miersch-kritisiert-kanzler-friedrich-merz-wegen-aeusserungen-ueber-gewalt-gegen-frauen-a-82446961-4b98-445c-bf1f-1a89ab070219
Special fund: Finance Ministry rejects criticism of use of special fund: Grüne und Linke werfen der Bundesregierung vor, das Sondervermögen zweckentfremdet zu ...
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-03/sondervermoegen-spd-union-lars-klingbeil-matthias-miersch-kritik
Heating law abolished: Coalition decides on higher gas prices: The German government has agreed on new rules for the energy transition. The chosen path is the ...
t-online.de/heim-garten/aktuelles/id_101143080/heizungsgesetz-abgeschafft-koalition-beschliesst-hoehere-gaspreise.html
Heating law: SPD puts pressure on CDU/CSU regarding tenant protection: The new "heating law" from the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition could significantly increase costs ...
br.de/nachrichten/bayern/heizungsgesetz-spd-setzt-union-beim-mieterschutz-unter-druck,VCXI9Lh
"With me, there will be no law that leaves tenants to foot the bill," Miersch announces. Heating law: "With me, there will be no law that leaves tenants to foot the bill," announces Miersch - | Video - | WELT
Good grief, what a pathetic performance. On Tuesday evening, the parliamentary leaders of the CDU/CSU and SPD stood before the press and announced the end of ... Show more
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Union buries heating law: Self-respect? Not so important to the SPD right now: The key points of the new heating law sound as if they were written by the CDU/CSU ...
n-tv.de/politik/politik_kommentare/Selbstachtung-Ist-der-SPD-gerade-nicht-so-wichtig-id30406894.html
Iran: SPD parliamentary group accuses the US and Israel of violating international law
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-03/iran-spd-israel-usa-voelkerrechtsbruch
New heating law: What's changing? The most important questions and answers: Matthias Miersch (lr), SPD parliamentary group leader, Jens Spahn ...
morgenpost.de/politik/article411304191/neues-heizungsgesetz-was-aendert-sich-die-wichtigsten-fragen-und-antworten.html
New Heating Law 2026: What the reform of the GEG means for owners and tenants: The new heating law is coming. Gas and oil heating systems will remain permitted – ...
giessener-allgemeine.de/wirtschaft/neues-heizungsgesetz-2026-was-die-reform-des-geg-fuer-eigentuemer-und-mieter-bedeutet-zr-94186250.html
Close to agreement: Talks on heating law nearing completion: The heating law has caused a great deal of uncertainty among the population. What happens next? An ...
noz.de/deutschland-welt/wirtschaft/artikel/kurz-vor-einigung-gespraechen-ueber-heizungsgesetz-vor-dem-ende-49930486
Paid articlePaywallThe comrade with the potato: SPD election campaign with Berlin political celebrity
hna.de/kassel/der-genosse-mit-der-kartoffel-spd-wahlkampf-mit-berliner-polit-promi-94158804.html
Only 1300 signatures: SPD members' petition on citizen's income fizzles out
sueddeutsche.de/bayern/buergergeld-spd-mitgliederbegehren-kritik-miersch-li.3373380
Key FactsUS Venezuela Strike Sparks Legal and Global Concerns
Jan 7, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: zdfheute.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: zdfheute.de
- SPD leader Matthias Miersch condemns the US military action in Venezuela as a clear breach of international law.
- Journalist Michael Bröcker claims such moves effectively nullify international law and foresee serious worldwide repercussions.
- Europe faces the urgent need to craft a new strategy to maintain its role amid great power rivalries.
- Experts predict a potential US strike on Cuba following Venezuela, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region.
But what the United States, what Donald Trump did there, is, in my view, clearly a violation of international law.— Matthias Miersch, Chairman of the SPD parliamentary group, speaks about the US operation in Venezuela.
Miersch announces reform: SPD wants to tax "super-heirs" more heavily: Inheritances and gifts of very large fortunes often remain tax-free; the SPD wants to ...
n-tv.de/politik/SPD-will-Super-Erben-staerker-besteuern-id30210328.html
“An unprecedented threat to democracy”: SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch on the threats posed by AI and deepfakes, as well as the tax dispute with ...
fr.de/hintergrund/demokratiegefaehrdend-in-nie-da-gewesener-dimension-94126775.html
“Too many loopholes”: SPD wants to reform inheritance tax soon: “Wealthy heirs must contribute more to the common good,” demands the SPD parliamentary group ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/zu-viele-schlupfloecher-spd-will-zeitnah-erbschaftssteuer-reformieren-li.10013000
SPD targets large fortunes: Matthias Miersch announces tax offensive: At the start of the year, the SPD parliamentary group leader calls for inheritance tax ...
berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/spd-jahresauftaktklausur-miersch-mahnt-im-fall-kai-wegner-politische-glaubwuerdigkeit-an-li.10013271
Dispute over inheritance tax: Will heirs soon pay more?: Inheritance tax is currently being hotly debated again. The SPD is now demanding that certain groups be ...
infranken.de/ratgeber/karriere-geld/streit-um-erbschaftssteuer-zahlen-erben-bald-mehr-art-6306524
Securing the ceasefire: SPD does not rule out German peacekeeping troops in Ukraine
n-tv.de/politik/SPD-schliesst-deutsche-Friedenstruppen-in-Ukraine-nicht-aus-id30150419.html
SPD on Ukraine troops: "We are ruling nothing out": Europe wants to support Ukraine with a multinational force in the event of a peace agreement ...
giessener-allgemeine.de/politik/spd-zu-ukraine-truppen-wir-schliessen-nichts-aus-zr-94086522.html
SPD parliamentary group leader on Kühnert's comeback: "I'm delighted": Former SPD General Secretary Kevin Kühnert has a new job. He will be a lobbyist ...
morgenpost.de/politik/article410678441/kevin-kuehnert-spd-generalsekretaer-comeback-zurueck-neuer-job.html
Key FactsKühnert Reflects Honestly on Political Exit
Dec 12, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
- Kevin Kühnert revealed feeling trapped by constraints and growing hopelessness in his role, which prompted his resignation.
- Journalist Kerstin Münstermann noted Kühnert's transformation into a political 'robot,' making his departure understandable.
- Kühnert admitted that Markus Söder effectively understands everyday public concerns, representing a distinct political style.
- Despite a tense exchange with Markus Lanz, Kühnert declined to retrospectively criticize his party's choices.
The feeling has been that I found myself personally in a dead end.— Kevin Kühnert describes his feelings during his political career and the reason for his resignation.
Bärbel Bas zur Rente: Darüber muss man lachen dürfen: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a drone offensive. Now he has had a model demonstrated that ...
faz.net/aktuell/feuilleton/debatten/baerbel-bas-zur-rente-darueber-muss-man-lachen-duerfen-110796939.html
"The CDU/CSU is working to turn the dissenting MPs around" Hans-Ulrich Jörges: "The CDU/CSU is working to turn the dissenting MPs around" - | Video - | WELT
Criticism as blasphemy? SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch can't believe that Labor Minister Bärbel Bas is being ridiculed.
weltwoche.de/daily/kritik-als-gotteslaesterung-spd-chef-matthias-miersch-kann-es-nicht-fassen-dass-arbeitsministerin-baerbel-bas-verlacht-wird/
In Germany, all young men will have to undergo military service screening in the future. The CDU, CSU, and SPD parties agreed on this after several weeks of ... Show more
Spiegel.de
Spiegel.de
Key FactsNew Military Service Rules Begin January 2026
Nov 13, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: morgenpost.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: morgenpost.de
- From 2026, all 18-year-old men are required to complete a questionnaire about their willingness to serve in the military.
- Voluntary military service will offer increased pay, extended durations, and incentives such as driving license subsidies.
- Military fitness assessments will start on a smaller scale in 2026 and expand nationwide by mid-2027 for approximately 200,000 men annually.
- Compulsory service remains suspended but may be reinstated from 2028 using a lottery if volunteer numbers fall short.
No one needs to be afraid. A completely new image of military service is now emerging.— Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) on the reform of military service.
Pension package under fire: This is how Merz feels about the vote of confidence: The lines are hardening in the dispute over the pension package ...
berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/streit-um-das-rentenpaket-stellt-kanzler-merz-jetzt-die-vertrauensfrage-li.10007298
Pension dispute resolved by year's end?: In the pension dispute, the coalition is asking for patience. So far, none of the parties involved are willing to ...
hna.de/politik/loesung-des-rentenstreits-bis-jahresende-zr-94053001.html
Coalition: Solution to the pension dispute by the end of the year?: The last word has not yet been spoken in the pension dispute - | the coalition asks for ...
handelsblatt.com/dpa/koalition-loesung-des-rentenstreits-bis-jahresende/100177715.html
The wrong people are being punished in the pension circus: Merz is currently being criticized as the weak link in the coalition, rather than the ...
faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/im-renten-zirkus-werden-die-falschen-gepruegelt-110789166.html
SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch: Agreement on combustion engine phase-out in the coming days
handelsblatt.com/dpa/spd-fraktionschef-miersch-einigung-zu-verbrenner-aus-in-kommenden-tagen/100174609.html
Reform of military service: CDU/CSU and SPD want to make medical examinations mandatory for young men
spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/wehrpflicht-union-und-spd-einigen-sich-auf-musterungspflicht-fuer-junge-maenner-a-dc2aaac6-b891-4b99-a61c-1a8c6f65abb8
Miersch in an interview: SPD parliamentary group leader – “The coalition will persevere”
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/miersch-im-interview-spd-fraktionschef-die-koalition-wird-durchhalten/100171340.html
Paid articlePaywallKey FactsPistorius Pushes Forward on New Military Service Law
Nov 13, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
- Defense Minister Boris Pistorius largely prevailed in the military service law compromise, but significant challenges remain ahead.
- From 2027, all men aged 18 will undergo mandatory assessment, with conscription by lottery if volunteer numbers are insufficient.
- The Union succeeded in embedding a growth corridor for troop numbers into law, requiring biannual progress reports to parliament.
- Pistorius must submit radical reform plans by Easter and demonstrate their implementation by the end of 2027.
You will not succeed in doing that.— Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defense, responding to a question about whether he is a prisoner of his own party during an SPD faction meeting.
Protest against “cityscape” statement: Merz reaffirms no to cooperation with AfD: How to deal with the AfD is the crucial question for the Union ...
n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Merz-bekraeftigt-Nein-zur-Zusammenarbeit-mit-AfD-article26106845.html
Key FactsSaarbrücken Responds to Chancellor Merz’s City Image Remarks
Oct 24, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: saarbruecker-zeitung.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: saarbruecker-zeitung.de
- Chancellor Merz highlighted problems in Saarbrücken’s public spaces linked to migration and emphasized increased deportations.
- Many residents and migrants are either unaware of the discussion or criticize Merz’s statements as racially divisive.
- The integration council and anti-racism groups stress the importance of diversity and caution against oversimplifying social issues to migration.
- Mayor Conradt calls for clear rules and open communication without generalizations to address challenges related to immigration.
Sexism, crime, and homelessness exist independently of migration and flight. Moreover, facts and studies are deliberately ignored and right-wing narratives are served.— Karin Meissner from the 'Yallah!' counseling center criticizes Chancellor Merz's statements regarding migration and the city image.
SPD in crisis over cityscape debate: Is the party leadership losing control over its members of parliament?
hna.de/politik/spd-wegen-stadtbild-debatte-in-der-krise-verliert-die-parteifuehrung-kontrolle-zr-94009495.html
Key FactsUrban Safety and Integration Challenges in German Cities
Oct 30, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stuttgarter-nachrichten.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stuttgarter-nachrichten.de
- Boris Palmer considers Friedrich Merz’s comments crucial for addressing visible negative changes caused by deportable young men in city centers.
- Integration into the labor market and education is increasingly failing, impacting social cohesion within communities.
- Cities like Tübingen respond with enhanced police presence and targeted actions against drug scenes, but data protection laws hinder efforts.
- There is criticism of political rhetoric that may deepen societal divisions and oversimplify urban challenges.
The state is making itself blind, it has tied its own hands.— Boris Palmer describes how the state is hindered in supporting integration managers due to data protection regulations.
Miersch criticized Merz's "blanket announcements" regarding the deportation of Syrians/"We need to look closely at whether..."
presseportal.de/pm/58964/6154076
