The Seeheimer Kreis, a conservative wing of the SPD, has issued sharp criticism of their coalition partner, the CDU, just before the CDU's party congress in Stuttgart. SPD spokesperson Esra Limbacher decried proposals such as abolishing part-time work and cutting dental benefits as "Gaga-ideas" that alienate the working middle class and generate rejection of reform debates. Limbacher called for more realism from the CDU, suggesting that Chancellor Merz needs to restore order within his party and provide a coherent economic concept rather than fragmented proposals. The criticism highlights ongoing friction within the coalition, particularly concerning social policy, with disagreements also evident over inheritance tax reform, a topic SPD Secretary-General Tim Klüssendorf argues is crucial for fairness, while Merz deems such plans "devastating." The CDU faces internal tension and stagnant poll numbers, with Merz's approval ratings reportedly lower than his predecessor's.