German government finds pension compromise to resolve showdown

Germany's coalition government has pledged to undertake far-reaching reforms of the country's pension system, while sticking to previously agreed pension levels, in a bid to resolve a rebellion within Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative ranks. The measures are outlined in a draft document seen by dpa on Friday, following late-night talks on Thursday between leading conservatives and their junior partner, the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD). Under the agreement, a pensions commission is to present proposals for a comprehensive reform by mid-2026. The commission...