German politician (SPD)
Steinmeier's successor: Miersch speaks out in favor of Aigner as Federal President
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-10/ilse-aigner-bundespraesidentin-spd-matthias-miersch-gxe
Birthday party with Putin: The SPD must finally kick Schröder out: The Social Democrats must oust former Chancellor and ex-party leader Gerhard Schröder after ...
tagesspiegel.de/politik/geburtstagsparty-mit-putin-die-spd-muss-schroder-endlich-rausschmeissen-16149287.html
Thorsten Frei and Matthias Miersch on "Caren Miosga": "Nationalizations are the dumbest thing you can do"
tagesspiegel.de/politik/thorsten-frei-und-matthias-miersch-bei-caren-miosga-vergesellschaftungen-sind-das-dummste-was-man-uberhaupt-machen-kann-16175326.html
Unrest after Bas's resignation: SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch rejects accusation of a tactical maneuver
n-tv.de/politik/SPD-Fraktionschef-Miersch-weist-Vorwurf-des-taktischen-Manoevers-zurueck-id31432097.html
It was supposed to be about the EU: Merz discovers the next loophole - | and gets a dressing-down from Miersch
n-tv.de/politik/Merz-entdeckt-die-naechste-Luecke-und-bekommt-Ansage-von-Miersch-id31418434.html
When will the draft law for pension reform be published?: Pension reform is to be implemented. Everyone in the black-red coalition agrees on that. However ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/rentenreform-zeitplan-miersch-frei-100.html
Coalition on the verge of collapse? "The big danger is that Merz is now overreacting"
op-online.de/politik/koalition-vor-dem-aus-die-grosse-gefahr-ist-dass-merz-jetzt-ueberreagiert-zr-94544285.html
End of a misguided path? Top economists call for the end of "retirement at 63": 75 percent want to keep retirement at 63, 46 economists are calling for its ...
focusplus.de/wirtschaft/ende-eines-irrwegs-top-oekonomen-fordern-aus-rente-mit-63-18616
Paid articlePaywallSPD proposal: CDU state chairman Schnieder rejects pension summit: The SPD wants to reopen the pension reform initiated by the federal government ...
n-tv.de/politik/CDU-Landeschef-Schnieder-erteilt-Rentengipfel-Absage-id31406163.html
Coalition reform plans: CDU/CSU deputy Winkel insists on pension compromise and puts the brakes on SPD proposal.
spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/johannes-winkel-unionsvize-pocht-auf-rentenkompromiss-und-bremst-miersch-vorschlag-a-fbd69a85-7095-4686-b30e-f2c2e9515e1a
Retirement after 45 years: State leaders reject Miersch's pension summit: The SPD wants to bring the state leaders into the pension dispute ...
telepolis.de/article/Rente-nach-45-Jahren-Laenderchefs-lassen-Mierschs-Rentengipfel-abblitzen-11484189.html
In the dispute over pension reform, SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch proposed involving the federal states and parliamentary groups ... Show more
Miersch threatens to halt Linnemann's care plans: Billions are missing from the care sector. Health Minister Carsten Linnemann wants to save money ...
op-online.de/politik/miersch-droht-mit-stopp-von-linnemanns-pflegeplaenen-zr-94511496.html
Long-term care reform: SPD parliamentary group leaders want to include privately insured individuals.
weser-kurier.de/bremen/politik/pflegereform-spd-fraktionschefs-wollen-privatversicherte-einbeziehen-doc87ta3qqt11t1e5zq4drd
Miersch versus Merz: SPD calls for course correction: The "reforms" only meant cuts, the Social Democrat said on the morning news program. Now, instead ...
stuttgarter-zeitung.de/politik/miersch-merz-spd-kurskorrektur-79487407.html
Key FactsAt Lanz, Miersch Defends SPD Course Amid Criticism
Aug 27, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
- The SPD stands at 12 percent in current INSA and Forsa polls, while a single-digit result is looming for the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Miersch said the debate over retirement after 45 contribution years had to be conducted in a differentiated manner, citing transitional rules, protection of legitimate expectations and a safeguard pension.
- Rosenfeld saw a leadership crisis and named Manuela Schwesig as a possible party leader, while Miersch pointed to 85 percent of members approving the coalition agreement.
- Lanz presented the citizens’ benefit scheme as a reason for rising AfD support, Miersch defended changing it, and Sundermeyer pointed to what he called massive welfare abuse and the AfD’s presence in everyday life.
And now you come around the corner like St. Martin and say: 'We'll do away with it again, and that is now a good thing'.— Markus Lanz, host of the Markus Lanz show, during the discussion with SPD politician Matthias Miersch
Budget proposal: AfD co-leader Chrupalla wants to challenge the budget before the Constitutional Court
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-09/bundeshaushalt-plan-kanzleramt-debatte-bundestag-finanzen
General debate in the Bundestag: Opposition criticizes government work: The Chancellor and the AfD leadership meet for the first time since the elections in ...
nzz.ch/deutschland/politik/generaldebatte-im-deutschen-bundestag-bundeskanzler-friedrich-merz-will-seinen-reformkurs-erklaeren-ld.10022924
The German government is promising a family with two children and a household income of around €60,000 tax relief of more than €600 per year starting in 2028 ... Show more
Pros and cons: Is too much informality used at work?: The parliamentary group leaders have been on a first-name basis since their retreat in Münster – | should ...
sueddeutsche.de/projekte/artikel/gesellschaft/duzen-siezen-job-arbeit-umgangsformen-kommunikation-frei-miersch-muenster-e822898/
Paid articlePaywallCDU/CSU and SPD in Münster: Without Spahn, this retreat could be one thing above all: strange
n-tv.de/politik/Ohne-Spahn-koennte-diese-Klausur-vor-allem-eines-werden-seltsam-id31236435.html
Pensions, budget, election in Saxony-Anhalt: A bombshell could explode in the coalition at any time
faz.net/aktuell/politik/wahl-in-sachsen-anhalt/rente-haushalt-wahl-in-sachsen-anhalt-jederzeit-kann-in-der-koalition-ein-sprengsatz-hochgehen-accg-201160670.html
Coalition meeting in Münster: Parliamentary groups prepare reforms: The leaders of the CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups are preparing the next reform ...
faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/koalitionsklausur-in-muenster-fraktionen-bereiten-reformen-vor-201164916.html
Political figures in search of the spirit of Münster: Der frühere Unions-Fraktionschef Jens Spahn hatte das Treffen organisiert: Nachfolger Thorsten Frei ...
wn.de/muenster/politprominenz-cdu-spd-miersch-frei-3627434
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Before the elections in Saxony-Anhalt: And what if the AfD wins?: SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch visits people in Saxony-Anhalt who don't have time ...
donaukurier.de/nachrichten/politik/vor-den-ost-wahlen-und-was-wenn-die-afd-gewinnt-21852650
Paid articlePaywall SPD crisis: Miersch and the disaffected in Saxony-Anhalt: The SPD parliamentary group leader wants to promote the federal government's reforms during his ...
sueddeutsche.de/politik/miersch-spd-sommerreise-wahl-sachsen-anhalt-reformen-stimmung-li.3536289
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“I think the SPD is currently in a good position”: Parliamentary group leader Miersch brushes aside personnel discussions
merkur.de/politik/unruhe-in-der-spd-miersch-sieht-dennoch-keinen-grund-fuer-personalwechsel-zr-94424744.html
Key FactsMiersch Backs SPD Leadership Despite Weak Polling
Aug 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- A Forschungsgruppe Wahlen survey released on July 31 placed the SPD at 12 percent nationwide, level with The Left.
- For the state election scheduled for September 6, the SPD currently records 7 percent in Saxony-Anhalt.
- SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch described the party as well positioned and rejected a leadership debate for the time being.
- Bielefeld SPD chair Markus Kollmeier objected to Lars Klingbeel and Bärbel Bas holding dual roles, while Miersch said the arrangement has both benefits and drawbacks.
I think the SPD is currently well positioned and is pushing its own impulses in many areas. Therefore I currently see no need for personnel debates.— Matthias Miersch, SPD parliamentary group leader, told the Funke Media Group
"It would be a very good sign": SPD parliamentary group leader wants Merz at CSD - | "Showing the flag" in Hamburg
fr.de/politik/csd-in-hamburg-250-000-menschen-nach-berlin-anschlag-erwartet-merz-nicht-zr-94424594.html
Miersch Speaks of Trust: Greens and Left Party to Spahn: Resignation Was Long Overdue
n-tv.de/politik/Gruene-und-Linke-zu-Spahn-Ruecktritt-war-ueberfaellig-id31100466.html
Key FactsReignited Surrogacy Debate Follows Spahn’s Resignation
Jul 22, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nzz.ch
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: nzz.ch
- Jens Spahn’s resignation as CDU faction leader has triggered renewed debate on Germany’s approach to surrogacy.
- The Ethics Council calls for open dialogue, emphasizing surrogacy’s relevance for women unable to carry children and same-sex couples.
- Critics argue that the CDU/CSU denies women autonomy by supporting a paternalistic state controlling reproductive rights.
- Child welfare remains a largely overlooked issue, while the Union cites ethical, legal, and practical concerns to oppose surrogacy.
She wants a paternalistic state that, above all, knows what’s best for women and also for potential surrogates.— Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, Leipzig-based professor; quoted in Die Zeit about the CDU/CSU's stance on surrogacy.
Shop Opening Hours Act: SPD Parliamentary Group Leader Rejects Further Sunday Openings
lebensmittelzeitung.net/politik/nachrichten/ladenoeffnungsgesetz-spd-fraktionschef-lehnt-weitergehende-sonntagsoeffnungen-ab-192465
Paid articlePaywallMiersch against Prien's austerity plans: "The solution must not be at the expense of the children"
focusplus.de/politik/miersch-gegen-priens-spar-plaene-loesung-darf-nicht-zulasten-kinder-gehen-15132
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Spahn and the SPD: Why the Social Democrats are getting nervous now too: After the resignation of Jens Spahn (left) as parliamentary group leader of the CDU/CSU ...
morgenpost.de/politik/article412619015/spahn-und-die-spd-warum-jetzt-auch-die-sozialdemokraten-nervoes-werden.html
SPD parliamentary group leader debates with Hildesheim business owners - | also about the third motorway interchange
hildesheimer-allgemeine.de/meldung/spd-fraktionschef-debattiert-mit-hildesheimer-unternehmern-auch-ueber-den-dritten-autobahnanschluss.html
SPD parliamentary group leader Miersch on reforms: "A fair inheritance tax is not off the table"
tagesspiegel.de/politik/spd-fraktionschef-miersch-uber-reformen-eine-gerechte-erbschaftssteuer-ist-nicht-vom-tisch-15791066.html
Paid articlePaywall SPD parliamentary group leader counters criticism from statutory health insurance physicians: "A mockery for patients who wait months for an appointment"
tagesspiegel.de/politik/fur-patienten-die-monatelang-auf-einen-termin-warten-ein-hohn-spd-fraktionschef-kontert-kritik-der-kassenarzte-15795777.html
OpinionFederal government's reform package: The main thing is that it doesn't fall apart
taz.de/Reformpaket-der-Bundesregierung/!6187870/
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
In his government statement, Friedrich Merz speaks about reforms, competitiveness, and Europe. AfD leader Alice Weidel sharply attacks the government's ... Show more
Merz's government statement: Weidel calls the Chancellor a "failure"
Merz's government statement: Weidel calls the Chancellor a "failure"
Top-level coalition meeting: Greens and Left criticize meeting of coalition with social partners
zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2026-06/spitzentreffen-koalition-gewerkschaften-arbeitgeber-friedrich-merz-gxe
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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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)
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
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
Paid articlePaywall 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