German coalition announces sweeping pension, labor changes

Germany’s coalition government has unveiled a wide-ranging package of changes to the labor and pension sustems with the stated intent of reviving Europe’s largest economy. Chancellor Friedrich Merz claims that the measures will boost competitiveness, reduce bureaucracy, and ease pressure on workers and businesses. The plan includes a gradual rise in the retirement age, tax relief for families and middle-income households, flexibility for employers to cut workers, and support for industries such as automotive, chemicals, artificial intelligence and cleaner technologies. Germany's parliament is expected to vote on the measures by the end of 2026.