Minimum wage to 15 euros: Tension in the coalition is increasing!

Minimum wage to 15 euros: Tension in the coalition is increasing!

In the current discussion about the statutory minimum wage in Germany, the focus is on the independence of the Minimum Wage Commission. In the “Markus Lanz” program on May 21, 2025, Matthias Miersch, chairman of the SPD parliamentary group, emphasized that the federal government should follow the commission, but that the final say lies with the legislature. This raises questions about the implementation of the Commission's recommendations, which propose a minimum wage of 15 euros.

Miersch said that the SPD could intervene legislatively if the commission did not recommend an increase to 15 euros. Despite the prevailing discussion, the SPD politician remains optimistic and believes that the commission will ultimately recommend this amount. “The legal minimum wage is a question of dignity for employees,” Miersch continued. The coalition agreement between the Union and the SPD stipulates an increase to this amount, which increases the pressure on the Commission and the Federal Government.

Controversies within the coalition

Lars Feld, professor of economic policy, however, questioned the feasibility of an increase. He argues that a maximum of 14.10 euros can be considered feasible. This suggests deeper tensions within the governing coalition. Kristina Dunz from the RND also warns of conflicts that could arise if the Commission deviates from the agreed target.

The debate about the minimum wage is further fueled by criticism from CDU leader Merz, who casts doubt on an increase. In the talk show, Miersch also appealed to the need to rethink the SPD's program, party and personnel. In the course of these considerations, Miersch did not want to comment specifically on Olaf Scholz's suitability as a candidate for chancellor, but referred to the SPD's positive results in Hamburg after the elections.

The discussion about the minimum wage remains highly topical and shows how closely economic policy decisions are linked to questions of social justice and dignity. While the Commission's recommendations are still pending, it will be interesting to see how the coalition reacts to any disagreements and what steps are ultimately taken to implement the minimum wage.

More information about the debate surrounding the minimum wage is available here taz.de and zdf.de available.