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Profile picture of Manager Magazin
Manager Magazin
Credibility C
 Apr 21
Statutory pension: Chancellor's pension commentary sparks outrage: The statutory pension insurance alone will, at best, only provide basic coverage in the ...
manager-magazin.de/politik/deutschland/rente-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-kanzler-merz-kuendigt-aenderungen-bei-gesetzlicher-rente-an-a-dc3d9560-ecef-4a05-b512-f86d69f8a98b
Statutory pension: Chancellor's pension commentary sparks outrage
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Profile picture of Focus
Focus
D+
 Apr 21
Merz: Statutory pension will only provide “basic security” in the future: Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has called for a rethink of retirement provision in ...
focus.de/politik/deutschland/merz-gesetzliche-rente-kuenftig-nur-noch-basisabsicherung_346bb018-4e59-47cc-bc0c-4b3084116ff0.html
Merz: Statutory pension will only provide “basic security” in the future
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Profile picture of op-online.de
op-online.de
C
 Apr 23
Pensions only "basic security"? Merz's announcement triggers union revolt - | "then all hell will break loose"
op-online.de/politik/rente-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-merz-ansage-loest-gewerkschafts-aufstand-aus-zr-94275497.html
Pensions only
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Profile picture of N-tv
N-tv
C+
 Apr 21
Only basic coverage: Merz: Statutory pension "will no longer be sufficient": It's not an entirely new insight, but the Chancellor puts it unequivocally: The ...
n-tv.de/politik/Merz-Gesetzliche-Rente-wird-nicht-mehr-ausreichen-id30736136.html
Only basic coverage: Merz: Statutory pension
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Profile picture of N-tv
N-tv
C+
 Apr 21
Dispute over pensions: SPD threatens Merz with "fierce resistance" over pensions: The statutory pension is facing major challenges. Chancellor Merz therefore ...
n-tv.de/politik/SPD-droht-Merz-mit-erbittertem-Widerstand-bei-der-Rente-id30738952.html
Dispute over pensions: SPD threatens Merz with
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Profile picture of Die Welt
Die Welt
B
 Apr 21
Friedrich Merz sees statutory pensions in the future only as “basic coverage” – SPD disagrees
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article69e70b662b77976b1d64fda3/friedrich-merz-sieht-gesetzliche-rente-kuenftig-nur-noch-als-basisabsicherung-spd-widerspricht.html
Friedrich Merz sees statutory pensions in the future only as “basic ...
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Profile picture of op-online.de
op-online.de
C
 Apr 23
Only €1,600 after 45 years of work? These figures show how serious the pension situation is
op-online.de/verbraucher/45-jahre-gearbeitet-und-trotzdem-arm-so-wenig-rente-bleibt-uebrig-merz-zr-94274597.html
Only €1,600 after 45 years of work? These figures show how serious the ...
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Profile picture of stern.de
stern.de
B−
 Apr 21
Merz's pension bombshell: His ideas will cost us all dearly: According to Merz, pensions are set to be reduced to mere basic coverage. He is calling for much ...
stern.de/wirtschaft/merz--renten-hammer--seine-ideen-kommen-uns-allen-teuer-zu-stehen-37328424.html
Merz's pension bombshell: His ideas will cost us all dearly
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Profile picture of hna.de
hna.de
C
 Apr 22
Women, East Germans, low-income earners: What Merz’s pension plan means for millions of Germans
hna.de/politik/wer-bei-merz-rentenplan-am-meisten-verlieren-wuerde-zr-94273792.html
Women, East Germans, low-income earners: What Merz’s pension plan means ...
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Profile picture of Passauer Neue Presse
Passauer Neue Presse
C+
 Apr 21
Gloomy Outlook Ahead of Reform: According to Merz, Statutory Pension Now Merely “Basic Protection”
pnp.de/nachrichten/politik/duestere-aussicht-vor-reform-gesetzliche-rente-laut-merz-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-20975380
Gloomy Outlook Ahead of Reform: According to Merz, Statutory Pension Now ...
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Profile picture of op-online.de
op-online.de
C
 Apr 21
Friedrich Merz settles accounts - | Pensions threaten to become a poverty trap: "They will no longer be sufficient"
op-online.de/wirtschaft/merz-rechnet-ab-rente-reicht-nicht-mehr-zum-leben-zr-94271442.html
Friedrich Merz settles accounts - | Pensions threaten to become a poverty ...
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Profile picture of Telepolis
Telepolis Apr 21
Statutory pension: Only basic – | and then what?: Merz calls the statutory pension only basic protection – | and thus triggers the fiercest coalition dispute ...
telepolis.de/article/Gesetzliche-Rente-Nur-noch-Basis-und-dann-11266683.html
Statutory pension: Only basic – | and then what?
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Profile picture of Die Tageszeitung
Die Tageszeitung
C+
 Apr 21
Opinion"At best, only basic security": Merz's pension comment angers the SPD: A new dispute has erupted within the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition over the Chancellor's ...
taz.de/Allenfalls-noch-Basisabsicherung/!6172741/
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Profile picture of hna.de
hna.de
C
 Apr 23
Pensions just “basic coverage” from now on? Merz’s announcement sparks union revolt – “then all hell will break loose”
hna.de/politik/rente-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-merz-ansage-loest-gewerkschafts-aufstand-aus-zr-94275497.html
Pensions just “basic coverage” from now on? Merz’s announcement sparks ...
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Profile picture of Focus
Focus
D+
 Apr 22
"Pensions are not welfare" - | SPD attacks Merz: Pensions just a "basic safety net"? With this announcement, Friedrich Merz has angered the SPD ...
focusplus.de/politik/rente-ist-keine-sozialhilfe-spd-auf-merz-los-12082
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Profile picture of Der Standard
Der Standard
C
 Apr 22
Pensions only "basic security": Merz triggers dispute in German coalition: The German Chancellor publicly doubts that the statutory pension can secure the ...
derstandard.at/story/3000000317589/merz-l246st-mit-aussagen-252ber-rente-koalitionsstreit-aus
Pensions only
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Profile picture of Donaukurier
Donaukurier
D+
 Apr 21
Bleak outlook before reform: According to Merz, statutory pension will only provide "basic security"
donaukurier.de/nachrichten/politik/duestere-aussicht-vor-reform-gesetzliche-rente-laut-merz-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-20975380
Bleak outlook before reform: According to Merz, statutory pension will ...
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Profile picture of Rundschau Online
Rundschau Online
C
 Apr 21
“At most, just basic coverage”: Merz discusses pension cuts – SPD rejects the proposal
rundschau-online.de/politik/merz-will-massive-renten-einschnitte-spd-weist-vorstoss-zurueck-1267444
“At most, just basic coverage”: Merz discusses pension cuts – SPD rejects ...
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Profile picture of Passauer Neue Presse
Passauer Neue Presse
C+
 Apr 23
Pensions only as "basic security": What our readers say about Merz's statement
pnp.de/nachrichten/bayern/rente-nur-noch-als-basisabsicherung-leserbrief-spezial-zur-merz-aeusserung-20993596
Pensions only as
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Profile picture of Focus
Focus
D+
 Apr 21
Merz: Statutory pensions to be merely “basic coverage” in the future: Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has called for a rethink of retirement planning in light of ...
focus.de/politik/deutschland/merz-gesetzliche-rente-kuenftig-nur-noch-basisabsicherung_346bb018-4e59-47cc-bc0c-4b3084116ff0.html
Merz: Statutory pensions to be merely “basic coverage” in the future
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Profile picture of hna.de
hna.de
C
 Apr 22
“At best, just a safety net”: Coalition row after Merz’s pension push – SPD announces “fierce resistance”
hna.de/politik/renten-vorstoss-merz-naechster-koalitionskrach-spd-soll-tief-durchatmen-zr-94273120.html
“At best, just a safety net”: Coalition row after Merz’s pension push – ...
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Profile picture of hna.de
hna.de
C
 Apr 21
Pension bombshell from the Merz government: Statutory pension only "basic safety net" - | SPD blocks
hna.de/politik/merz-sieht-gesetzliche-rente-nur-noch-als-basisabsicherung-zr-94271411.html
Pension bombshell from the Merz government: Statutory pension only
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Profile picture of Berliner Morgenpost
Berliner Morgenpost
C+
 Apr 21
Merz: Statutory pension will only be "basic security" in the future: The gradual withdrawal of the US from aid to Ukraine has made Germany the most important ...
morgenpost.de/politik/article411772618/merz-gesetzliche-rente-wird-kuenftig-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-sein.html
Merz: Statutory pension will only be
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Profile picture of op-online.de
op-online.de
C
 Apr 22
“At best, basic security”: Coalition clash after Merz’s pension proposal - | SPD announces “fierce resistance”
op-online.de/politik/renten-vorstoss-merz-naechster-koalitionskrach-spd-soll-tief-durchatmen-zr-94273120.html
“At best, basic security”: Coalition clash after Merz’s pension proposal - ...
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Profile picture of nwzonline.de
nwzonline.de
C−
 Apr 21
Pension dispute: Statutory pension only for basic security? Merz's proposal infuriates the SPD
nwzonline.de/politik/rente-in-deutschland-gesetzliche-rente-kuenftig-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-merz-vorstoss-reizt-die-spd-zu-protest_a_4,3,264209126.html
Pension dispute: Statutory pension only for basic security? Merz's ...
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Profile picture of Fränkische Nachrichten
Fränkische Nachrichten
C
 Apr 21
Merz: Statutory pension will only be basic security: Chancellor Merz will have been in office for a year at the beginning of May - | and is self-critical ...
fnweb.de/politik_artikel,-politik-merz-gesetzliche-rente-wird-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-sein-_arid,2371236.html
Merz: Statutory pension will only be basic security
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Profile picture of op-online.de
op-online.de
C
 Apr 22
Women, East Germans, low-income earners: What Merz's pension plan means for millions of Germans
op-online.de/politik/wer-bei-merz-rentenplan-am-meisten-verlieren-wuerde-zr-94273792.html
Women, East Germans, low-income earners: What Merz's pension plan ...
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Profile picture of Allgemeine Zeitung
Allgemeine Zeitung
C+
 Apr 21
Chancellor Merz downplays pensions - | is that wise? A commentary: Pensions will be "at best a basic safety net" for old age in the future, announces Chancellor ...
allgemeine-zeitung.de/politik/politik-deutschland/kanzler-merz-redet-die-rente-klein-ist-das-klug-5625110
Chancellor Merz downplays pensions - | is that wise? A commentary
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Profile picture of Main-Spitze
Main-Spitze
C
 Apr 21
Chancellor Merz downplays pensions - | is that wise? A commentary: Pensions will be "at best a basic safety net" for old age in the future, announces Chancellor ...
main-spitze.de/politik/politik-deutschland/kanzler-merz-redet-die-rente-klein-ist-das-klug-5625110
Chancellor Merz downplays pensions - | is that wise? A commentary
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Profile picture of op-online.de
op-online.de
C
 Apr 21
Merz: Statutory pension will only be basic security: Chancellor Merz will have been in office for a year at the beginning of May - | and is self-critical ...
op-online.de/politik/merz-gesetzliche-rente-wird-nur-noch-basisabsicherung-sein-zr-94270904.html
Merz: Statutory pension will only be basic security
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Profile picture of Wiesbadener Kurier
Wiesbadener Kurier
C+
 Apr 21
Chancellor Merz downplays pensions - | is that wise? A commentary: In the future, pensions will be "at best a basic safety net" for old age ...
wiesbadener-kurier.de/politik/politik-deutschland/kanzler-merz-redet-die-rente-klein-ist-das-klug-5625110
Chancellor Merz downplays pensions - | is that wise? A commentary
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Profile picture of Echo Online
Echo Online
C
 Apr 21
Chancellor Merz downplays pensions - | is that wise? A commentary: Pensions will be "at best a basic safety net" for old age in the future, announces Chancellor ...
echo-online.de/politik/politik-deutschland/kanzler-merz-redet-die-rente-klein-ist-das-klug-5625110
Chancellor Merz downplays pensions - | is that wise? A commentary
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Profile picture of op-online.de
op-online.de
C
 Apr 22
Pension bombshell from the Merz government: Statutory pension only "basic security" - | SPD blocks it
op-online.de/politik/merz-sieht-gesetzliche-rente-nur-noch-als-basisabsicherung-zr-94271411.html
Pension bombshell from the Merz government: Statutory pension only
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Profile picture of Fränkische Nachrichten
Fränkische Nachrichten
C
 Apr 21
Outrage over Merz: Only basic pension coverage in the future?: Will pensions in the future be nothing more than "basic coverage"? The Chancellor's forecast ...
fnweb.de/politik_artikel,-politik-spd-politiker-wiese-gesetzliche-rente-muss-verlaesslich-sein-_arid,2371296.html
Outrage over Merz: Only basic pension coverage in the future?
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Profile picture of Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung
Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung
C
 Apr 21
Merz plans radical pension reform: "At best, basic security": Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has announced a "paradigm shift" in German pension policy
waz.de/politik/article411104009/renten-merz-plant-radikale-reform-allenfalls-noch-basisabsicherung.html
Merz plans radical pension reform:
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Profile picture of Frankfurter Rundschau
Frankfurter Rundschau
Credibility B
 May 06
“Cynical and out of touch”: Associations and citizens rage after Merz’s pension statement – Chancellor backtracks
fr.de/verbraucher/gesetzliche-rente-als-basisabsicherung-merz-satz-schuert-befuerchtungen-kanzler-klaert-auf-zr-94292375.html
“Cynical and out of touch”: Associations and citizens rage after Merz’s ...
1 similar article
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Profile picture of Focus
Focus
D+
 Apr 28
Economist criticizes pension system and calls for more private retirement savings
focus.de/finanzen/altersvorsorge/oekonomin-kritisiert-rentensystem-und-fordert-mehr-private-vorsorge_ac5b4d40-5eb1-4eda-8a4d-a7bc8bb82c94.html
Economist criticizes pension system and calls for more private retirement ...
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Profile picture of Focus
Focus
D+
 Apr 26
82 percent have no confidence in future statutory pensions: Germans’ confidence in their statutory pensions is plummeting. According to a pension survey ...
focus.de/politik/82-prozent-haben-kein-vertrauen-in-kuenftige-gesetzliche-rente_28da277b-6b78-4d63-8545-ccc28aef9ae8.html
82 percent have no confidence in future statutory pensions
3 similar articles
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Profile picture of stern.de
stern.de
B−
 Apr 26
Pension Reform: Schulze Sees Social Peace Threatened: Because the chancellor referred to the pension as “basic security,” concerns about pension reform are ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/rentenreform--schulze-sieht-gesellschaftlichen-frieden-bedroht-37342216.html
Pension Reform: Schulze Sees Social Peace Threatened
3 similar articles
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Profile picture of Die Welt
Die Welt
B
 Apr 23
Pension as “basic security”? – “He didn’t mean it that way,” Bas speculates about Merz
welt.de/politik/deutschland/article69e92c4b77ffbaa07ece732a/rente-als-basisabsicherung-er-hat-es-so-nicht-sagen-wollen-mutmasst-bas-ueber-merz.html
Pension as “basic security”? – “He didn’t mean it that way ...
Key FactsSPD Leader Bas Responds to Merz on Pension Reform
Apr 23, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
  • Labor Minister Bas expresses confusion over Merz’s statement reducing statutory pensions to mere basic security.

  • She highlights that pension contributions are not charity but essential for maintaining living standards in old age.

  • Bas announces collaboration with Merz to develop a model ensuring pensions sustain life quality through three pillars.

  • The SPD leader criticizes her party’s poor electoral performance and calls for a focus on traditional strengths.
    • People no longer know what the SPD actually stands for. Who is fighting for us?
    — Bärbel Bas (SPD), on Maischberger (ARD), commenting on the SPD's direction
11 similar articles
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Profile picture of Focus
Focus
D+
 Apr 23
IG Metall chief calls Merz's pension rate "irresponsible": Pension as "basic security" - | Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is causing a stir with this ...
focus.de/finanzen/news/ig-metall-chefin-nennt-merz-renten-satz-unverantwortlich_22ecc75e-29a6-4bcc-b399-7d83aff2aa9f.html
IG Metall chief calls Merz's pension rate
0 similar articles
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Profile picture of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
A−
 Apr 23
Statutory pension only as basic security? New pension dispute over an old certainty
faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/gesetzliche-rente-nur-noch-als-basisabsicherung-neuer-rentenstreit-um-eine-alte-gewissheit-accg-200756135.html
Statutory pension only as basic security? New pension dispute over an old ...
1 similar article
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Profile picture of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
A−
 Apr 23
Friedrich Merz “wants to downgrade the statutory pension to a low-cost product”: The fact that Friedrich Merz sees the statutory pension insurance system as ...
faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/mehr-wirtschaft/friedrich-merz-will-die-gesetzliche-rente-zu-einem-billigprodukt-degradieren-200754471.html
Friedrich Merz “wants to downgrade the statutory pension to a low-cost ...
0 similar articles
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Profile picture of Berliner Zeitung
Berliner Zeitung
B−
 Apr 22
Woidke counters Merz: East German pensioners need more than basic security: In Brandenburg, over 820,000 people rely almost exclusively on the statutory pension ...
berliner-zeitung.de/article/woidke-kontert-merz-ostdeutsche-rentner-brauchen-mehr-als-basisabsicherung-10032140
Woidke counters Merz: East German pensioners need more than basic security
1 similar article
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Profile picture of N-tv
N-tv
C+
 Apr 21
SPD counters the Chancellor: “People must be able to rely on the statutory pension”
n-tv.de/politik/Auf-die-gesetzliche-Rente-muss-man-sich-verlassen-koennen-id30737099.html
SPD counters the Chancellor: “People must be able to rely on the statutory ...
1 similar article
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Profile picture of stuttgarter-nachrichten.de
stuttgarter-nachrichten.de Apr 21
What does this mean for Germany's 22.3 million pensioners?: Bundeskanzler Merz ist Anfang Mai ein Jahr im Amt und übt Selbstkritik. Große Reformen sollen ...
stuttgarter-nachrichten.de/inhalt.rente-nur-als-basisabsicherung-was-bedeutet-das-fuer-deutschlands-22-3-millionen-rentner.556476ed-7c9d-49cb-a526-95e96f872789.html
What does this mean for Germany's 22.3 million pensioners?
Key FactsPension Reform and Aging Poverty in Germany 2026
Apr 21, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stuttgarter-nachrichten.de
  • Chancellor Merz highlighted that statutory pensions will serve only as a basic safety net, requiring expanded occupational and private pension plans.

  • A government commission is expected to propose reforms by summer aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of the pension system.

  • In 2024, 22.3 million people received pensions, with 42% earning under 1000 euros monthly and women disproportionately affected by poverty.

  • The number of retirees relying on state basic income support rose by 7.1% in 2024 to nearly 739,000, indicating increasing economic hardship.
    • The statutory pension insurance alone will at best be the basic security for old age. It will no longer be enough to secure living standards in the long run. There must also be capital-funded elements of an occupational and private retirement provision, Merz explained. And indeed, to a much greater extent than we currently have them, largely on a voluntary basis.
    — Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), at the 75th anniversary reception of the German Banking Association
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Profile picture of Die Tageszeitung
Die Tageszeitung
C+
 Apr 21
OpinionThe Chancellor attacks the SPD: The Merz Method: In front of the bank executives, the Chancellor once again makes bold pronouncements and takes aim at the SPD ...
taz.de/Der-Kanzler-attackiert-die-SPD/!6172674/
The Chancellor attacks the SPD: The Merz Method
0 similar articles
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Profile picture of op-online.de
op-online.de
C
 Apr 24
Merz's statement on pensions triggers panic: Left Party leader warns against "gambling" - | 69 percent worried
op-online.de/verbraucher/merz-aussage-zur-rente-loest-panik-aus-linke-chefin-warnt-vor-gluecksspiel-69-prozent-in-sorge-zr-94277254.html
Merz's statement on pensions triggers panic: Left Party leader warns ...
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Profile picture of Fränkische Nachrichten
Fränkische Nachrichten
C
 Apr 22
Pension dispute: Minister of the Chancellery defends Merz: Should pensions in the future only be a "basic safety net"? The Chancellor's forecast on old-age ...
fnweb.de/politik_artikel,-politik-rentenstreit-kanzleramtsminister-verteidigt-merz-_arid,2371501.html
Pension dispute: Minister of the Chancellery defends Merz
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