The Tumultuous Start of the New German Government: Can Partners Trust Each Other?
"Bad omens mark the beginning of this endeavor"
Having taken office on Tuesday, the freshly minted German government's beginning seems less than smooth. An unprecedented second round chancellor election has left some questioning the strength of Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. A prime example of this can be seen in discussions led by Illner on Thursday evening as she delves into the topic with her guests.
The Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, exudes a sense of relief, commenting, "From an unwanted, undesired situation that has never occurred before, we have demonstrated the capacity to work constructively and trustworthily to address a challenge together – with the participation of the Greens and the Left." This wasn't easy, Dobrindt acknowledges, but it serves as a promising signal that obstacles can be tackled.
The rough start to the new government has raised concerns about the partnership's viability. Green parliamentary leader Katharina Dröge raises a red flag: "This isn't just a lack of trust in Friedrich Merz; it's a lack of trust in the entire coalition." The parliamentary group leaders from CDU, CSU, and SPD were tasked with carefully listening and preventing such tumultuous proceedings, as witnessed on Tuesday.
Political scientist Julia Reuschenberg contends that the coalition has sustained some scratches. Nonetheless, she adds, "What matters is that [the process] unfolded smoothly from a democratic standpoint."
The Gray Area of Collaboration: Incompatibility and Compromises
New Chancellery Chief Thorsten Frei has hinted at reconsidering the incompatibility decision regarding the Left Party given the current political climate. Dobrindt, however, opposes this view, asserting that despite the absence of a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and the need for the Greens and Left for certain projects, joint legislative endeavors with the AfD will not be entertained. For procedural decisions, dialogue with the Left is necessary. Nevertheless, any previous decisions will not be revised, implying an incompatibility decision remains in effect — but only when necessary. This could be the first point of discord within the coalition, Melanie Amann from "Der Spiegel" warns, criticizing the Union for perceived unfair comparisons between the Left and the right-wing extremist AfD.
Regarding the Union's position on the AfD, Droge insists they must clarify their stance. "My perspective is: There are two currents within the Union. One belongs to Jens Spahn, and Jens Spahn leans more toward the AfD than many others in the Union who are crystal clear about this, and of whom I also have trust." Dobrindt refutes these claims directed at Spahn. Regarding the Federal Constitutional Protection Agency's assessment of the AfD, Dobrindt remains undecided on the next steps.
Taking Control: Migration Policy and International Relations
In migration policy, Dobrindt has already made significant decisions, aiming to tighten border controls. This move could result in federal police officers working up to 20 extra hours per week over the next three weeks, with potential ramifications for guarding train stations. An additional controversial measure entails the possibility of asylum seekers being rejected by the police at the border. While pregnant women, children, and "vulnerable groups" are exempt, Dobrindt asserts they are not breaking European law; rather, they strive to make the European situation functional once more.
Summarizing the current challenges faced by the government, Droge observes, "The asylum issue is a problem that places a burden on all of Europe, with Germany being particularly affected due to its strong magnetic pull. It needs to be addressed."
The stream of events, culminating in the election of Merz as chancellor and Dobrindt's aggressive border control measures, has led Melanie Amann of "Spiegel" to describe it as chaos. She observes allegations of contradictions between statements by Merz abroad and Dobrindt at home, plagued by confusion from their own government spokesperson, and some semblance of disorder.
The broad spectrum of opinions, however, underscores the complexity of the political landscape faced by the new German government. This unconventional beginning serves as a harbinger of the challenges and compromises that the parties must navigate to ensure a successful governmental tenure.
Sources:- ntv.de
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Alliance 90/The Greens
- The Left
- CSU
- CDU
- Migration
- The European Union, including the EC countries, is closely watching the new German government as they grapple with the incompatibility of the Left Party within the coalition, a concern raised by Alexander Dobrindt and Katharina Dröge, parliamentary leader of the Greens.
- The European Parliament and the Council are taking notice of the issues surrounding migration policy, particularly the tightening of border controls by the Commission and the Council, under the leadership of Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt, which could potentially conflict with European Union regulations.
- The European Parliament, including various political parties, have raised concerns about the perceived contradictions in statements made by Chancellor Friedrich Merz abroad and by Minister Dobrindt domestically, highlighting the need for clarity and cooperation within the German government to uphold the principles of the European Union.
- Political scientist Julia Reuschenberg, commenting on the general news, suggests that the incompatibility and compromises within the coalition between the CSU, CDU, Alliance 90/The Greens, and The Left could serve as a learning curve for the new German government as they navigate the complexities of EU politics.
