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politics1d ago
Germany’s far left saves Merz from potential humiliation on pensions
- The Left abstained in the Bundestag, a move that ensures the pension package will pass with the coalition’s slim majority.
- Merz's conservative-led coalition faced a potential humiliation from a rebellion by 18 young conservatives over pension benefits.
- The Left’s abstention is framed as protecting pensioners, despite signaling cooperation with opponents some see as too radical.
- If The Left follows through, the 64-seat opposition could influence the final vote by reshaping the required majority.
- Conservatives sought to secure backing from young rebels while considering broader pension reforms next year.
- Johannes Winkel signaled opposition to the immediate package, citing intergenerational justice concerns.
- The Left framed its abstention as protecting pensioners from cuts, not aiding the governing coalition.
- Rasmus Buchsteiner contributed reporting on the pension reform debate.
- The pension package’s passage could shield Merz from further damage to his coalition’s credibility.
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