"Negative omens surround the beginning of this endeavor"
Unconventional Berlin Politics: A Rocky Start for Chancellor Merz
Germany's new federal administration has been in power since Tuesday, but the beginning has been bumpier than anticipated. The election of a federal chancellor in the second round is a historical first in the Federal Republic. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, a CSU politician, attempts to keep the spirits high, "Moving from an undesirable and unprecedented situation, we've shown we can work collaboratively and trustingly to tackle problems and meet challenges." The Greens and The Left were crucial in this early cooperation, though that might not always be the case.
The unity between CDU, CSU, and SPD must be solid to face the tough challenges ahead, especially when it comes to economic recovery. The coalition might face tensions due to differing political ideologies between the dominant CDU and reduced SPD. Climate and energy issues also demand attention, with the recent constitutional reform allowing increased debt for green initiatives. The digital landscape is another concern, as the coalition strives for digital sovereignty to reduce dependency on foreign providers.
Regarding migration policy, the new Interior Minister Dobrindt has already taken decisive actions. Border controls will be reinforced, leading to extended hours for Federal Police Officers. Asylum seekers at the border could be rejected, except for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children. This controversial move has sparked discussions, with Katharina Droge accusing Dobrindt of potentially violating European law.
As for the exclusion of the far-right AfD from the coalition, the CDU/CSU maintains this policy. However, the Union's handling of the AfD has come under scrutiny, as political scientist Julia Reuschenberg notes: "The coalition has had some scratches, but what matters most is that everything went smoothly politically."
Controversy continues to brew over Dobrindt's potential violation of European law in rejecting asylum seekers at the border. He remains steadfast, contending, "It's about reining in the European situation, making the system functional again, which is in our common interest." This ambitious goal, however, might be met with resistance from various parties.
Sources:- ntv.de- German Federal Elections 2025 (4)- The Green Party- The Left Party- Christian Democratic Union- Christian Social Union- Social Democratic Party- Alternative for Germany- Digital Sovereignty Act
- Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, a CSU politician, faces controversy over potential incompatibility with European law regarding migration policies, as Katharina Droge accuses him of violating EU regulations.
- The European Parliament and the Council, key institutions of the European Union, could potentially take issue with Dobrindt's actions, especially given the EC countries' commitment to upholding the principles of fair and just immigration policies.
- Despite these political tensions, it is crucial for the European Commission and the German coalition to collaborate to strengthen the EU as a whole, particularly in areas such as economic recovery, climate and energy initiatives, and digital sovereignty.
- Germany's new administration, still in its infancy, must confront these challenges head-on, with notable figures like Dobrindt and Chancellor Merz at the helm, forging a path forward in the evolving landscape of EC countries and European Union politics.
