CDU Veteran Schäuble Praises Greens and Jusos, Criticizes Coalition
Wolfgang Schäuble, a long-serving CDU member and former Finance Minister, has shared his thoughts on the current political situation in Germany, expressing both praise for the Greens and Jusos, as well as criticism for the coalition's workmanship.
Schäuble spoke with Der Spiegel and commended the Greens and Jusos for their "substantive core," even if he does not share their political goals. He went on to express his admiration for the Jusos' return to their principles and noted that he enjoys this development.
However, when it comes to the current coalition government, Schäuble is not so forgiving. He sees the government's handling of legislation, such as the heating law, as sloppy and reminiscent of Herbert Wehner's "we won't let the assholes in Karlsruhe ruin our policies" stance during the CSU's dragging of Willy Brandt's East policy before the court.
Schäuble also expressed his doubts about Chancellor Olaf Scholz's low poll ratings, stating that he believes Scholz will still present a significant challenge in the upcoming federal election, despite current opinion polls.
Despite these criticisms, Schäuble acknowledges some positive aspects of the current government, particularly in areas such as their approach to economic policy. The Greens and Jusos' commitment to fiscal discipline and sustainable economic policies aligns with Schäuble's long-standing views on budget management, making it a point of agreement between the two parties.
However, Schäuble is at odds with Hesse's CDU Minister President Boris Rhein on the choice of coalition partners. He believes that negotiating with the Greens would have been a more feasible option than choosing to work with the Social Democrats. Schäuble praised Tarek Al-Wazir as a decent partner in the past, and his positive experiences with the Green politician may have influenced his viewpoint.
In conclusion, Wolfgang Schäuble's critique and praise of the current political landscape reflect his concerns about the government's workmanship but also recognize the value of the Greens and Jusos' steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainable economic policies. This nuanced perspective underscores Schäuble's continuing influence in German politics, even in a more backseat role since his departure from office.
