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Merz denounces private health insurance

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Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz criticized private health insurance in Germany as creating unequal access to care, and prompted praise from the SPD and mixed reactions within his party.

Handelsblatt
CDU crisis: Chancellor debate subsides - Now it is about the reform course

Merz remains chancellor and party leader after the bitter election losses. For now, some say. Now in the Union the focus is primarily on something other than personnel questions.

CDU crisis: Chancellor debate subsides - Now it is about the reform course
Reposts 0 4h
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
Health economist: Public vs private insurance? "That has no advantages at all"

The health economist Friedrich Breyer sees a major fairness problem in the system - but a different one from the chancellor. His proposal would make private insurance less attractive.

Health economist: Public vs private insurance? "That has no advantages at all"
Reposts 0 4h
Süddeutsche Zeitung
Health care system: What's behind Merz's attack on private health insurance

The SPD can hardly believe its luck: Friedrich Merz thinks private health insurance is unfair. A misunderstanding? What the government really plans.

Health care system: What's behind Merz's attack on private health insurance
Reposts 3 5h

by Albert Weale

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albertpweale.bsky.social
Is German voters’ dissatisfaction with Merz known as Merzschmerz?
September 22, 2026 at 8:51 AM
Die Zeit
Health insurance system: Karl Lauterbach applauds Merz for push toward dual health insurance system

For his remarks on health insurance, Friedrich Merz receives backing from the SPD. A former health minister says he shows 'a moment of insight.'

Health insurance system: Karl Lauterbach applauds Merz for push toward dual health insurance system
Reposts 0 8h
Handelsblatt
Bundestag: 'Justice problem': Merz triggers debate over private health insurance

The chancellor criticizes different waiting times for health care and receives support from the SPD. In the Union, the move elicits mixed reactions

Bundestag: 'Justice problem': Merz triggers debate over private health insurance
Reposts 0 11h
Handelsblatt
Health System: 'Equity Problem': Merz Triggers Debate Over Private Health Insurance

The chancellor criticizes unequal waiting times for health services and receives support from the SPD. In the Union, the move elicits mixed reactions.

Health System: 'Equity Problem': Merz Triggers Debate Over Private Health Insurance
Reposts 0 11h
Politico Europe
Reform Agenda: Merz's new search for justice

After the shock of the election, Berlin's political reform agenda is under review. CDU leader Friedrich Merz suddenly shifts the focus to social justice. Rasmus Buchsteiner explains what phantom debates are and how the Union and SPD plan to win back the political center for themselves. In a 200-second interview, the Lower Saxony CDU state chairman Sebastian Lechner calls for a change of course. He ...

Reposts 0 12h
Handelsblatt
Morning Briefing Podcast: Elections: social policy beats economic policy / Economy: growth on the rise

Is it a typical Merz misstep or a real turning point? Either way, behind Friedrich Merz's doubts about the health system lies a fundamental question that is emerging.

Morning Briefing Podcast: Elections: social policy beats economic policy / Economy: growth on the rise
Reposts 0 12h
Handelsblatt
Morning Briefing: Why the chancellor is tackling private health insurance

A typical Merz mistake or a real turning point? Either way, behind Friedrich Merz's doubts about the healthcare system lies a fundamental question that is currently being asked.

Morning Briefing: Why the chancellor is tackling private health insurance
Reposts 0 12h
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