Chancellor Merz Faces Coalition Turmoil Amid Reform Challenges

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is dealing with discord within his coalition as he tries to push forward a significant reform package addressing Germany's tax, pensions, and health systems.

His Christian Democratic Union, already trailing the far-right Alternative for Germany in polls, is grappling with dissent from coalition partners, evidenced by his recent call for the Social Democrats to help break political deadlocks.

The coalition's disagreements and Germany's recession-wracked economy pose challenges, alongside the need for measures against soaring fuel prices and reforms in pensions amid an aging population.