Germany is facing significant political disagreements within its ruling coalition, threatening its stability and international standing. The coalition between conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and center-left Social Democrats (SPD) is experiencing a deep crisis. Unresolvable disputes over key issues, such as military conscription and pension reform, are eroding trust in the government and undermining its ability to function. One of the main conflicts revolves around military conscription. Conservatives advocate for reinstating the draft if voluntary recruitment fails, citing civil duty as a cornerstone of national identity. However, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and the SPD argue that conscription would only generate inefficiency during a critical period for Germany's rearmament. Another contentious issue is pension reform. Labor Minister Barbara Bass (SPD) wants to lock in the current pension level, which is 48% of average earnings, beyond 2031. She argues this is necessary to protect the baby boomer generation. In contrast, conservatives, particularly younger lawmakers, see this as an «intergenerational theft,» warning the reform would cost an additional €115 billion by 2040. These divisions are fracturing the coalition. Polls show less than a third of Germans believe the coalition will last until the 2029 election deadline, and government support has plummeted to a record low of 25%. Meanwhile, the far-right populist party «Alternative for Germany» (AfD) has surpassed the CDU in popularity, increasing political tensions. Chancellor Merz has acknowledged disagreements within the coalition but emphasized that the government must solve problems, not appear divided. Political analysts note that both major parties from the former political center are in a predicament. The rising influence of the AfD and internal coalition disputes cast doubt on Germany's ability to enact major reforms and maintain its influence within the European Union.
