Johannes Winkel, the chairman of the Junge Union (JU), believes the German federal government faces a critical choice: either reform the social welfare state or dissolve the debt brake, potentially in collaboration with the Left Party. Following the CDU party congress, Winkel stated that a €60 billion budget deficit is anticipated for the following year, necessitating either a financially impactful reform of the social system or the complete abandonment of the debt brake. The JU successfully advocated for a party congress resolution against further dissolution of the debt brake, signaling the CDU's rejection of increased structural state debt. Winkel urged the CDU to embrace reform, particularly in light of demographic changes, and expressed confidence in his relationship with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasizing a continued expectation for decisive action.