Abstiegsangst im Land – wann liefert Schwarz-Rot? | maybrit illner vom 26. März 2026

Things are getting serious for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. After the state elections, there are no more excuses: The promised legislation must now be implemented following the canceled "autumn of reforms" and a winter of campaigning: taxes, health insurance, pensions, long-term care… Everything is to be overhauled, and billions are to be saved in the process. All in the hope that the economy will then grow again. How can this ambitious undertaking succeed with the Chancellor's party under pressure and Social Democrats fighting for their political survival? Citizens want more net income from their gross income – and above all, job security. The fear of deindustrialization and downward mobility is widespread. Does the political will and strength of the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition suffice? Can the government modernize the country without creating many new losers? Guests on Maybrit Illner's show include CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann, Anke Rehlinger, SPD Vice Chair and Minister-President of Saarland, economist Gabriel Felbermayr, a new member of the German Council of Economic Experts, Tübingen Mayor Boris Palmer, and Kristina Dunz from the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND). ] ; ... Guests: • Carsten Linnemann (CDU), General Secretary • Anke Rehlinger (SPD), Deputy Party Chair, Minister-President of Saarland • Boris Palmer (Independent), Mayor of Tübingen • Gabriel Felbermayr, new member of the German Council of Economic Experts ("Economic Advisors"), Director of the Austrian Institute for Economic Research (WIFO) • Kristina Dunz, Deputy Head of the Berlin Bureau, Editorial Network ----- Here on ZDFheute News, you'll find out what's happening in the world and what affects us all: We provide clarity in the world of news, explain the background, and address societal debates. Join the discussion in live streams and form your own opinion based on the facts we present. Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss anything. Stay up-to-date at https://ZDFheute.de. #Election #SPD #Illner