
2 days · 2 summary articles
German coalition stalls healthcare reform as SPD blocks cost-cutting draft law
SPD blocks German cabinet nursing care reform over proposed benefit cuts
The German coalition government is facing fresh internal divisions over healthcare and pension reforms, with the Social Democrats (SPD) blocking a draft law to stabilize long-term care costs proposed by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach of the CDU.
SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch criticized the current proposal as “primarily a package of cuts” and demanded that privately insured individuals contribute to the statutory long-term care insurance system. Without a swift agreement, rising social security contributions could follow, Miersch warned .
The dispute adds to existing tensions within the coalition, which has already clashed over pension reforms. The cabinet had planned to approve the healthcare legislation this week, but the SPD’s objections have delayed the process. Meanwhile, internal CDU dissent has also surfaced, with former faction leader Jens Spahn facing criticism for missing parliamentary sessions due to a private trip to Sardinia.
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