Merz Condemns Labor Minister Bas’s Remarks as “Unacceptable” Amid Pension Debate
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A growing rift between Germany’s leading political figures has emerged as CDU leader Friedrich Merz reportedly rebuked Labor Minister and SPD leader Bärbel Bas for comments perceived as antagonistic towards German employers. The unusually direct criticism signals escalating tensions surrounding the government’s proposed pension reforms and broader social policy debates.
Bas’s remarks, made during a speech at the Juso federal congress on Saturday, sparked immediate backlash from business leaders and have now drawn the ire of a key opposition figure. According to reports, Merz voiced his disapproval during a closed-door meeting of the CDU and CSU parliamentary group.
The controversy stems from Bas’s account of her experience at an employers’ day event. She described a clear divide in the country, not between generations, but “between rich and poor, between those who need security and those who consider it negotiable.” She also stated that the event “made it particularly clear to her… who we actually have to fight together,” in response to a question about the future of social security funding.
These statements were swiftly condemned by employer representatives. Rainer Dulger, president of the employers’ association, characterized Bas’s call to “fight” employers as “unprecedented in the history of the Federal Republic,” arguing that such rhetoric undermines prosperity, jobs, and social security.
A senior official within the BVMW, the federal managing director of the medium-sized business association, went further, accusing the labor minister of engaging in “young socialist folklore and entrepreneur bashing.” Several medium-sized business associations have since issued a joint letter expressing “great surprise and concern” over Bas’s comments.
Pension Package Fuels Political Firestorm
The timing of Merz’s criticism is particularly noteworthy, as he and CDU parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn are currently attempting to block the government’s proposed pension package in the Bundestag. According to sources, Merz was particularly angered by Bas’s “rude” behavior while the Union faction actively opposed the social policy initiatives.
The incident at the Employers’ Day further fueled the controversy. Bas recounted that when she asserted that pension contributions would not increase, the audience – largely comprised of business leaders – responded with laughter. She described the scene as a stark reminder of the differing priorities of those who benefit from the current system and those who rely on social safety nets.
“There they sat, I’ll say this quite openly, the gentlemen – yes, mostly they were men – in their comfortable armchairs, one or the other in tailored suits, and the rejection was clearly noticeable,” Bas reportedly said.
This is the first instance of Merz directly opposing Bas in this manner, highlighting the intensifying political struggle over the future of Germany’s social security system. The escalating rhetoric suggests a prolonged and potentially acrimonious debate lies ahead.
Source: ntv.de, gut/dpa/AFP
