Slumbering Strollers of the Federal German State
The current German federal government, a coalition between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), is navigating through a series of challenges that could potentially lead to its demise.
The coalition's thin parliamentary majority makes it difficult to pass legislation and maintain stability. Furthermore, the government is experiencing its first major dispute, particularly over the appointment of new justices to the highest court, which has strained relations between the CDU/CSU and SPD.
The coalition's historic low-performance in the recent elections, with the CDU/CSU achieving its second-worst result ever and the SPD recording its worst performance since the 1880s, could erode public trust and add pressure on the coalition. The rise of populist parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) continues to challenge the traditional parties, potentially threatening the coalition's stability.
The potential causes for the coalition's failure include the government's inability to effectively address pressing issues such as economic stagnation and the AfD's rise, which could exacerbate public dissatisfaction and undermine the coalition's legitimacy. Differences in policy and approach between the CDU/CSU and SPD could lead to further infighting and undermine the coalition's stability. The coalition's inability to maintain a unified front and deliver on promises could erode public trust, making it harder for the government to function effectively.
The SPD's recent actions, such as proposing Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf as their candidate for the constitutional court despite knowing she would encounter significant reservations from the coalition partner, could be seen as a potential step towards the coalition's downfall. This action, if it proceeds with Brosius-Gersdorf's questioning, could be compared to the misjudgments and self-deceptions described by historian Christopher Clark in his book "The Sleepwalkers."
The lack of success in convincing their parties of the historical gravity of the situation is a concern for both the CDU/CSU and SPD chairmen. Markus Söder, a prominent figure, has referred to the current situation as "the last bullet of democracy."
The SPD's actions risk humiliating the larger partner in the coalition and raise questions about whether this action is in the interest of the SPD. The SPD's offer for Brosius-Gersdorf to answer questions in the Union faction may escalate the conflict, adding to the already tense political landscape of Germany.
If the current coalition fails, there will be a fundamental change in the political landscape of Germany, with potential implications for the country's future. The situation underscores the delicate balance of power in German politics and the importance of effective coalition management.
The current dispute over the appointment of new justices, a part of policy-and-legislation, is straining the relationship within the coalition, potentially leading to its demise. The historic low-performance in recent elections, a general-news event, could erode public trust and add pressure on the CDU/SPD coalition.
