Chancellor Merz's Tumultuous Victory: Navigating Political Storms

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz narrowly avoided a governmental crisis by passing a contentious pensions bill in parliament. The bill's passage highlights Merz's fragile authority within his coalition. Tensions within the coalition boost the far-right's popularity, while pension debates grow as crucial political conflicts across Europe.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz narrowly averted a crisis within his government on Friday, securing an absolute majority for a highly contentious pensions bill despite a revolt from within his own party. The bill raises pension spending by 185 billion euros over the next 15 years.

Although the bill passed in the 630-seat Bundestag with 318 votes, this incident underscores Merz's tenuous grip on his coalition of conservatives and Social Democrats. Such internal conflict is boosting support for the far-right Alternative for Germany, which currently leads in nationwide polls.

Pensions and intergenerational fairness are emerging as significant political issues across Europe. Economists criticize the German bill for not addressing looming demographic changes. Merz, however, pledges broader reform in the upcoming year to secure pension scheme financing.

(With inputs from agencies.)