Merz faces union fury as welfare cuts spark boos at DGB congress
Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced a hostile reception at the DGB federal congress this week. Union representatives repeatedly interrupted his speech with boos, laughter, and jeers. The tense exchange came as he outlined plans for major cuts to social programmes and workplace reforms. The chancellor began by calling for societal unity. But his appeal quickly met resistance when he proposed sweeping reductions in welfare spending. Laughter broke out after he claimed the reforms showed 'no malice on my part or on the part of the federal government'.
Merz also defended his plans to modernise workplace co-determination, arguing the changes were 'not all that drastic'. The remark triggered more booing from the audience. Despite the disruption, he pressed on, urging business and labour groups to work together in reshaping the welfare state. After the speech, Johannes Winkel, chairman of the Young Union (JU), condemned the reaction as 'hysterical' and 'shameful'. He described the whistles and shouting as inappropriate but praised the chancellor’s tone as 'exactly right'. Winkel added that Merz had sought constructive support for balancing economic needs with social protections.
The event highlighted deep divisions between the government and trade unions. Merz’s proposals for welfare cuts and labour reforms now face strong opposition from organised labour. The chancellor’s call for cooperation was met with open scepticism by DGB delegates.
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