Merkel Coalition at Odds on Stimulus to Offset Virus Impact

Divisions within Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling coalition were laid bare Tuesday when top officials disagreed publicly about the need for a stimulus package to offset potential economic damage from the coronavirus.

Ralph Brinkhaus, the head of Merkel’s parliamentary caucus, said it’s “much too soon to talk about a crisis” and warned against talking down the economy. That came just hours after Alexander Dobrindt, the deputy caucus leader and a member of the Bavarian branch of Merkel’s bloc, proposed using Germany’s budget surplus to fund a stimulus package.

“We have to be in a position to act, for ...