German coalition affirms reform agenda amid ‘historic test’ for democracy

BERLIN, Oct 8 (Reuters) – Senior members of Germany’s governing coalition have vowed to quickly implement reforms, according to a ​message to lawmakers seen by Reuters ‌on Thursday, as the government faces record-low approval ratings and the surge of the far-right AfD.

“The coalition agrees that economic growth, secure jobs and social ‌cohesion ​will be at the heart ⁠of the agenda,” ⁠said the message, which was signed by the leaders of the parliamentary groups of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative bloc and the ​centre-left Social Democrats.

Senior members of the coalition, including Merz and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, ⁠discussed their policies at ⁠the chancellery late on Wednesday.

That ​meeting was held in a “good and constructive atmosphere,” ​according to the message.

The renewed show of ‌unity comes as the coalition faces growing pressure from the rise of the AfD, whose successes in recent state elections have ⁠intensified concerns among mainstream parties and exposed tensions within the governing alliance.

“We are aware that our democracy ⁠is facing ‌a historic test in these ⁠times,” it said.

Germany’s welfare system is ​under ‌pressure from an ageing society ​and rising ⁠costs for health and elder care. The government also needs to plug holes to fund rising investment in defence and infrastructure.…Read more by Thomson Reuters