Politics · Germany · 1 hr ago
SPD leader says German coalition is not near collapse
Germany’s SPD parliamentary leader Matthias Miersch says the coalition is not about to break up despite recent clashes between its partners.
He said the politicians he works with understand their responsibilities and none is considering ending the coalition.
The comments follow Bärbel Bas’s departure, which Miersch said deeply affected the SPD and came after harsh attacks on her.
He argued that political disagreements are being treated too quickly as signs that the government will collapse.
The coalition agrees on 30 of 33 points in its pension package, he said.
The Bundestag also approved an early-start pension this week, and Miersch said reforms would be fair.
He said some parts of the pension reform may need changes, but gave no details of what happens next.
SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch said Germany’s coalition government is not close to collapse.
He said none of the coalition colleagues he works closely with wants to break up the government.
Miersch argued that political disagreements are being portrayed too readily as signs the coalition will fall.
He said the coalition had agreed on 30 of 33 points in its pension package and had approved the early-start pension in the Bundestag that week.
He also said attacks on Bärbel Bas had been too harsh after her withdrawal from office.
- Who
- Matthias Miersch, leader of the SPD parliamentary group.
- What
- He said the coalition is not near collapse and defended political disputes within it.
- When
- He spoke on Thursday afternoon; the article was published on 17 October 2026.
- Where
- In his office. The article does not state the city.
- Why
- Miersch said coalition colleagues understand their responsibility and none wants to break up the government.
Pessimistic observers
Matthias Miersch
Coalition stability
Pessimistic observers
Many people surveyed believe the coalition may end early.
Matthias Miersch
Miersch said the coalition is not close to ending and no one he works closely with wants to break it up.
Meaning of disputes
Pessimistic observers
Political conflict is seen as a warning that the government may collapse.
Matthias Miersch
Miersch said disagreements are part of decisions affecting millions and should not automatically be treated as a prelude to a coalition break.
The Bundestag approved the early-start pension, according to Miersch.
Miersch gave an interview at his office.
t-online published the interview.
- Coalition
- Miersch said it was not near collapse
- Party
- SPD
- Interviewee
- Matthias Miersch
- Pension package
- Agreement on 30 of 33 points
- Early-start pension
- Approved in the Bundestag that week
What people are saying
No, never.
None of my colleagues in the coalition with whom I work closely is flirting with breaking up the coalition.
Every dispute is treated as a prelude to the government breaking up.
I perceive a media appetite for collapse, a shift in realities that does politics no good.