German Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his government’s health reforms during a tense exchange with a pediatrician on live television, as criticism mounted over alleged harm to families and children.

During a televised roundtable discussion, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz engaged in a sharp verbal exchange with a pediatrician from Lower Saxony over his administration’s controversial health reform measures. The pediatrician accused Merz of violating his oath of office and implementing laws detrimental to families and children, specifically referencing the government’s cost-cutting measures in healthcare. Merz retorted that the accusations were excessive, calling them a personal attack and strongly rejecting the suggestion that he was intentionally damaging the future of children.

Addressing broader criticism of his policies, Merz defended the reforms and argued that they imposed shared financial burdens across all healthcare stakeholders, including insurers and pharmaceutical companies. He countered claims of favoritism toward the pharmaceutical industry, stating that the legislation was equitable and carefully designed. Merz accused critics of oversimplifying the complexities of the reforms, adding that while his administration acknowledges challenges, they are working within limited fiscal capacities to address pressing issues.

Merz also faced criticism from families, with one father expressing frustration over perceived negligence toward households with children. The Chancellor responded by emphasizing the government’s ongoing support for families, while admitting that fiscal constraints limit what can be achieved. Amid poor polling for his coalition, Merz urged optimism and highlighted early signs of economic recovery. He further distanced himself from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), reiterating his commitment to maintaining his party’s values and ruling out any collaboration with the AfD in upcoming regional elections.