German coalition at odds over reform agenda after Saxony-Anhalt vote

The election in Saxony-Anhalt has shaken the political landscape, with the SPD viewing the federal government's reform course as a problem, potentially putting several key reform plans under review. The coalition partners are drawing different conclusions from the vote. The SPD argues that controversial reforms to pensions, sick notes, care, and taxes unsettled voters and contributed to the AfD's victory, calling for a re-evaluation. In contrast, the CDU, while open to talks, insists on continuing the reform pace, rejecting any fundamental retreat. Specific points of contention include the planned abolition of the pension after 45 contribution years, new rules for sick notes from the first day of illness, and proposed savings on care-related pensions. Additional disputes involve a fuel price cap and the scale of income tax relief.