Rough Seas Ahead for Germany's New Coalition?
" issued a grim forecast"
The recently sworn-in German federal government, a union of CDU/CSU and SPD, got off to a rocky start with the unprecedented need for a second round of chancellor election. But can this government rely on its partners as they navigate the tumultuous waters of governance? Federal Minister of the Interior Dobrindt expresses optimism in his ability to work productively with the Greens and the Left Party, despite the initially questionable partnership.
The new administration's first days in office have been more bumpy than anticipated. For the very first time in the history of the Federal Republic, a federal chancellor was elected in the second round. Will Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz have the support he needs to steer the ship? Maybrit Illner discussed this and more on her program on Thursday evening.
Dobrindt acknowledges the situation as one he did not choose, did not want, and had never seen before. However, he maintains that the coalition was able to find a constructive and trustworthy solution to the election issue, in spite of the cross-party participation. He considers this an encouraging sign that they can tackle challenges effectively. I'd rather have a challenge at the start than a honeymoon at the beginning and a crash later, says the CSU politician, referencing the selfies taken before the last coalition, which allegedly demonstrated unity but ultimately ended rather disastrously.
The coalition's bumpy start has raised some serious doubts from Green parliamentary leader Katharina Dröge, who believes this uneasy beginning indicates a lack of trust in Friedrich Merz and the entire coalition. The arrangement is precariously balanced and requires careful handling, she notes.
The Left Party: Partner or Foe?
New Chancellor's Office chief Thorsten Frei has suggested that the Union might reconsider its opposition to collaborating with the Left Party in light of the political climate. Dobrindt, however, is adamant that, despite the government's lack of a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and its need for the Greens and the Left Party for certain projects, the Union will not engage in joint legislative projects with the AfD. For procedural decisions, discussions with the Left are necessary, but the Union will not change any existing decisions.
The Union must clarify its stance on the AfD, demands Droge. She believes division exists within the Union, with Jens Spahn leaning closer to the AfD than other members who oppose them vehemently. The Union's incompatibility decision applies to both the Left and the AfD equally.
Migrant Policy Action Plan
The new Federal Minister of the Interior, Dobrindt, has already taken decisive action in the field of migration policy. He plans to strengthen border controls, which could significantly increase overtime for federal police officers on site. Simultaneously, critics question whether train stations will receive reduced protection due to the increased border control. An additional controversial proposal from Dobrindt involves granting police the authority to reject asylum applications at the border. Pregnant women, children, and vulnerable groups are exceptions.
Dobrindt asserts that the goal is to reject individuals who seek asylum because they are entering Germany from a safe third country. They have already traveled at least one country too far, he explains. The Union is dedicated to addressing the burden of asylum seekers on municipalities, public systems, and, ultimately, Germany as a whole.
The policies under Dobrindt's Migration Policy Action Plan are met with skepticism by political opponents, with Katharina Droge questioning the legality of some measures and Melanie Amann, a journalist from "Spiegel," labeling the situation as chaotic.
Sources:- ntv.de
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Alliance 90/The Greens
- The Left
- CSU
- CDU
- Migration
- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission in EC countries and the European Union are likely following the uncertain start of Germany's new coalition government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with curiosity and scrutiny.
- Despite the coalition's rocky beginning, the Federal Minister of the Interior, Dobrindt, is trying to strengthen the coalition, especially with the Greens and the Left Party, in a bid to navigate politics smoothly.
- Both Katharina Dröge, the Green parliamentary leader, and critics analyze the Union's collaboration with the Left Party, given their precarious balance without a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and the questionable stance on some political topics.
- Dobrindt's Migration Policy Action Plan, focusing on strengthening border controls, granting police the power to reject asylum applications at the border, and increasing federal police overtime, has sparked controversy and skepticism among political opponents and journalists, raising concerns about the legality of certain measures.
