In a recent interview on ARD television, Werneke noted that a meeting is scheduled for June at the Chancellery, marking a departure from the regular consultations held during the tenures of former Chancellors Merkel and Scholz. He criticized the government’s establishment of commissions on pension, health, and social state issues without the involvement of social partners. Furthermore, Werneke firmly stated that Verdi would not agree to an increase in the retirement age. This statement was broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on May 18, 2026.