A Rough Start for the New Coalition: Dobrindt's Perspective
"A negative omen shrouds this commencement"
Alexander Dobrindt, the Federal Minister of the Interior, offered a positive outlook regarding the new federal government's start, despite initial unprecedented challenges. In an interview with Maybrit Illner on Thursday, Dobrindt expressed relief that they were able to work together constructively to overcome a tricky situation, with the support of the Greens and the Left.
However, the federal government's inauguration wasn't as smooth as expected. Dobrindt emphasized that for the first time in Germany's history, a federal chancellor was elected in a second round. The strength of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz remains uncertain.
The Greens' parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge, on the other hand, stated that the coalition's shaky start isn't just a lack of trust in Friedrich Merz, but a lack of trust in the entire coalition. She noted that the parliamentary group leaders of CDU, CSU, and SPD must prioritize careful listening and avoid incidents like the one that occurred during the recent chancellor election.
Broken Trust and the Left Party
The incompatibility decision regarding the Left Party has been under scrutiny since the new government took office. Thorsten Frei, the Chancellor's Office Chief, suggested that the Union should reconsider the incompatibility decision, considering the current political situation. However, Dobrindt firmly opposes any reconsideration. While the government lacks a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and needs the Greens and the Left for certain projects, Dobrindt rules out joint legislative projects with the AfD. He also emphasized that discussions on procedural decisions should be held with the Left.
Political scientist Julia Reuschenberg believes the coalition has suffered some setbacks but emphasized the importance of maintaining political stability. The Union, however, has been criticized for equating the Left with the right-wing extremist AfD, and Droge demands a clarification of the Union's handling of the AfD.
Migration Policy Changes
Dobrindt has already made significant decisions in migration policy. He aims to bolster border controls, resulting in federal police officers working overtime. This new policy has drawn criticism, with concerns that train stations will be less secure. Another controversial measure is that asylum seekers at the border can be rejected by the police, although the rejection would be optional, and certain groups would be exempt, such as pregnant women, children, and vulnerable individuals. Dobrindt does not intend to declare a national emergency; instead, he is engaging in discussions with representatives of neighboring countries.
Katharina Droge argues that the government's migration policy could jeopardize Germany's adherence to European law, while Melanie Amann of "Spiegel" describes the recent events as chaotic, with confused statements and plans from various parties involved.
Sources: ntv.de
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Alliance 90/The Greens
- The Left
- CSU
- CDU
- Migration
- Alexander Dobrindt, a federal minister in the European Union countries, expressed relief that the new coalition government, including the Greens and the Left, worked together constructively during a challenging situation.
- Dobrindt, in a conversation with Maybrit Illner, expressed his thoughts on the incompatibility decision regarding the Left Party, stating that he opposes any reconsideration of this decision.
- Meanwhile, political scientist Julia Reuschenberg has stressed the importance of maintaining political stability within the European Parliament, as the coalition has faced setbacks in policy-and-legislation, particularly within migration policy.
- Katharina Droge, the Green's parliamentary group leader, has criticized the migration policy changes proposed by Dobrindt, stating that it could potentially lead to incompatibility with European Union policies and laws.
