CDU's Frei denies rift with Merz, defends healthcare reforms amid AfD surge
Thorsten Frei, a senior CDU politician, has dismissed claims of tension with Chancellor Friedrich Merz as unfounded. In a recent interview, he addressed criticisms of the government’s communication strategy and defended its healthcare reforms. Frei also weighed in on the rise of the far-right AfD party and the coalition’s internal dynamics.
Frei rejected reports suggesting he had been shouted at by the Chancellor, calling them baseless. He described his working relationship with Merz as intact and collaborative, with no signs of personal conflict.
On policy, he praised the government’s healthcare overhaul as the most comprehensive in two decades. According to Frei, the reforms will help control non-wage labour costs and social security contributions. He argued that these changes would strengthen Germany’s competitiveness and improve the business environment. However, Frei admitted that the government’s external communications had fallen short. He attributed some of the AfD’s strong polling numbers to the coalition’s public image problems. To counter this, he urged the government to focus on substance rather than style in its messaging. Despite external perceptions, Frei insisted that the coalition partners share more common ground than is widely believed. He stressed the need for more decisive action on Germany’s challenges to weaken the AfD’s appeal.
Frei’s comments highlight both the government’s policy ambitions and its communication struggles. The healthcare reforms remain a key priority, with officials framing them as a long-term economic boost. Meanwhile, the coalition faces ongoing pressure to address public dissatisfaction and the AfD’s growing influence.
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