German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach recently appeared on Markus Lanz's talk show to discuss Friedrich Merz's controversial shift on the debt brake policy.

Merz, who had promised during his campaign to keep the debt brake untouched, reversed his stance after the election, citing the Ukraine crisis as the reason.

Critics have accused him of breaking his word, with some suggesting the change was planned all along.

However, Lauterbach defended Merz, stating that the altered circumstances justified the policy shift.

This stance surprised many, given Lauterbach's SPD affiliation and past criticism of the CDU.

The discussion highlighted the political balancing act required for coalition governments in Germany.