Merz Faces Criticism as SPD Pushes Back on Health Reforms

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing criticism from within his own coalition and from the opposition over his comments on the US-Israeli war with Iran and his remarks on pensions. The SPD has pushed back on proposed healthcare savings, calling them unfair, and is seen as benefiting politically from Merz's missteps. Meanwhile, the AfD in North Rhine-Westphalia expelled a speaker, Alexander Eichwald. The dynamics reflect growing tensions in Germany's governing coalition as it grapples with policy disputes and pressure from the AfD.