SPD Blocks Care Reform Over Cost Caps, Coalition Talks Continue

The Social Democrats (SPD) are threatening to block a care reform in cabinet unless it includes a cap on residents' out-of-pocket costs for nursing homes. Patient advocates support the SPD's push to prevent benefit cuts. Meanwhile, the Left party (Linke) has cleared the way for talks with the SPD and Greens, but conservative politician Thorsten Frei warns against such cooperation. Alexander Schweitzer (SPD) is also demanding changes from Chancellor Friedrich Merz on reforms, while the Bundestag debates a 'early start pension' and the retirement age of 63.