German business associations in talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the 'urgency' of steps to help the ailing economy, one group said Tuesday, with reports describing a stormy encounter. None of the groups present commented on the details of the meeting, which took place behind closed doors. AdvertisementMerz was surprised by the intense criticism and urged patience, saying the government needed time to enact reforms, Bild said. Presenting the 2026 budget plans to parliament Tuesday, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil pledged far-reaching reforms to get the economy moving again. "There must be changes, and these cannot be small steps, but rather major changes."