Prof. Dr. Kronenberg emphasized that the vote was not solely about the factual pension issue, but also about the ability of the government to act in unity. Against this backdrop, the majority achieved by the chancellor came as little surprise, as there was much more at stake for the coalition than just a single social policy project.
Kronenberg classified the result as merely a temporary strengthening of the chancellor's position. The sometimes heated debates in the run-up to the vote would continue to be perceived as a sign of weakness, especially since a united coalition had been explicitly promised before the government took office. Kronenberg was skeptical about the fundamental pension reform announced for 2026: In view of deteriorating conditions, important state elections, and the high social relevance of the issue, it remains to be seen whether the government will actually be able to achieve the much-vaunted “great success.”