Merz in an ARD interview: Judge election drama and reform plans for Germany!

Merz in an ARD interview: Judge election drama and reform plans for Germany!

On July 13, 2025, Friedrich Merz will appear in the ARD summer interview to address highly explosive topics. The focus is on the election of judges and the internal disputes within the CDU. Merz emphasizes that the recent tensions between the governing parties Union and SPD after the failed election of judges in the Bundestag should not be described as a crisis. “This is not something that will knock us down,” explains the Chancellor in an interview that will be broadcast on TV and in a live stream. fr.de reports that the Union has taken a stand against the SPD candidate Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, which led to the vote being postponed until the fall.

The original vote on Friday was supposed to elect three new judges to the Federal Constitutional Court, but no one was elected. Merz describes the current situation surrounding the election of judges as “undramatic” and says that there is no “crisis of democracy” or of the government. However, according to statements from the SPD leadership, including leader Lars Klingbeil, there is massive criticism of the Union, which is held responsible for the failed election. In particular, the Union was accused of a “hunt” against Brosius-Gersdorf, as the parliamentary manager of the SPD, Dirk Wiese, noted.

Reforms in the welfare state

As part of the interview, Merz also focuses on citizens' money and the need for reforms. The aim is for aid to specifically benefit those in need. Merz suggests increasing the rates for the unemployed, but criticizes the existing top-up system, in which many people work illegally at the same time. In addition, the possible capping of rental costs, which the state covers, is being discussed.

Merz announces that he will implement the welfare state reform in accordance with the coalition agreement, which also includes changes to pension, health and nursing care insurance. He calls for fundamental changes in the pension system and emphasizes the need to improve capital coverage. In doing so, Merz shows a clear commitment to social reforms, which he sees as essential for the future of the welfare state.

Political future and outlook

Finally, Merz defends CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn and confirms his suitability for the position. In view of the coming developments, Merz announces that the vote on the judicial candidates will be held after the summer break. He emphasizes that the Union plans to speak calmly with the SPD in order to reach a common result. Further ARD summer interviews with politicians such as Alice Weidel from the AfD and Markus Söder from the CSU are already being planned, which shows that the political debate in Germany remains lively. tagesschau.de reports on the intended talks between the parties and the complexity of the pension and welfare state reforms that are on the agenda.