Merz’s German Pension Reform in Doubt After Caucus Test Vote

A test vote by lawmakers in Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative caucus suggested his ruling coalition may struggle to get a disputed bill overhauling Germany’s state pension system approved in parliament this week.

Among the 208 members of Merz’s CDU/CSU bloc in the lower house, or Bundestag, at least 10 voted against the law in the non-binding ballot Tuesday in Berlin, according to people familiar with the result. About three or four abstained, added the people, who asked not to be identified discussing a confidential meeting.