Union leader slams Merz's reforms over poor communication and public distrust
Berlin – Union leader Michael Vassiliadis has criticized Chancellor Friedrich Merz's (CDU) government for its communication failures, warning that its approach risks alienating the public. "I told the chancellor: Stop the nonsense," the head of the Industrial Union of Mining, Chemical, and Energy Workers (IG BCE) told Der Spiegel. He urged the government to explain its reforms in clearer terms, arguing that people would be far more willing to support change if they understood the reasoning. "They're not stupid—they know things have to improve."
Vassiliadis called on Merz to follow the example of one of his predecessors in rallying public support. "Gerhard Schröder managed it back then. He had a compelling justification for Agenda 2010: he wanted to cut unemployment, which stood at 5.5 million at the time. To do that, he launched a painful process—even against the interests of his own base." Vassiliadis argued that, just as Schröder did, Merz's CDU must now demonstrate strong leadership as the chancellor's party.
He stressed that Merz needs to work with trade unions, industry associations, and other stakeholders to craft a positive vision for Germany's future and its economy. "We need to develop a real idea of what our future could look like. I can't just sell people the vision that we'll have lots of wind turbines and pretend that somehow solves all our challenges."
While Vassiliadis acknowledged that debate over the current reform proposals is necessary, he criticized the government's handling of it as fundamentally flawed. The coalition, he said, must move beyond campaign-mode governance and start leading with authority. "Instead of sensibly explaining why reforms are needed, government members ramble on about 'lifestyle part-time work,' or the chancellor complains that people are calling in sick too often."
Addressing the draft health care reform, the union leader called for more creative cost-saving measures before placing the burden on individual contributors. "The government could, for example, eliminate VAT on medications. That would benefit health insurers and long-term patients, who often have to cover drug costs out of pocket."
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