Friedrich Merz Regrets 1997 Vote on Marital Rape Legislation

The CDU leader admits he would vote differently today on a controversial law criminalizing marital rape in Germany.

Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and Union chancellor candidate, has expressed regret over his 1997 vote against a law explicitly criminalizing marital rape in Germany.
Merz clarified that he supported a 'withdrawal clause' at the time, allowing victims to prevent prosecution, but now acknowledges that others, who opposed his stance, were correct.
The 1997 decision has been a point of criticism throughout Merz's political career, with his recent comments marking a significant shift in his position.
He emphasized that marital rape was already punishable under existing laws at the time, such as those covering coercion and severe bodily harm.
Merz also reiterated his commitment to Germany's debt brake policy but expressed openness to limited reforms at the state level, ranking this issue as a low priority.