Merz defends coalition reform plans amid AfD pressure

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has defended the federal government's reform plans, which he presented on behalf of the coalition. The reforms face criticism from the new EU Council presidency, which warned Merz and his allies against taking extreme positions. Meanwhile, questions have emerged about whether media executive Mathias Döpfner pushed Merz to cooperate with the far-right AfD. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil, a key coalition partner, has also stirred debate by cutting a privilege for his ministers.