Whiffs of Strife: The New German Gov's Rough Start on Illner
System malfunction persists; functionality yet to be restored.
The freshly minted federal government, backed by opposition support, is still limping after a rocky start. Can the uneasy coalition partners depend on each other in the long run? Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is trying to inject optimism during talks on Maybrit Illner's show.
The government took office on Tuesday, but the beginning was bumpier than anticipated. For the first time in Federal Republic history, a federal chancellor was elected in a second round. Where does Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz stand strong now? That's what Illner will discuss with her guests on Thursday evening.
Dobrindt appears relieved. "From a dire scenario nobody desired, nobody wanted, and never happened before, we've shown we can collaborate constructively and trustfully to solve a challenge," the CSU politician asserts. The Greens and the Left played a key role in this cooperation, Dobrindt highlights. He added, "This signifies an encouraging step that challenges can be surmounted. I'd prefer a challenge addressed at the start rather than a honeymoon at the beginning and a crash later." Dobrindt's comment alludes to the selfies shared before the last coalition, taken by the FDP and Greens to demonstrate unity.
Governments & Gridlock: The Bumpy Start Exposed "This isn't just a lack of trust in Friedrich Merz, but a lack of trust in the entire coalition," says Green parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge about the turbulent chancellor election. The task of the parliamentary group leaders of CDU, CSU, and SPD was to listen closely and prevent such incidents from happening again. "This start is under a bad omen, and this coalition is precarious," states the Green politician. "That's something they have to work on." The opposition's assistance is not always guaranteed.
Political scientist Julia Reuschenberg believes that the coalition has sustained some heavy blows. However, it's vital that democracy functioned smoothly during the election, she notes.
No Left-Wing Leverage If Not Needed
New Chancellor's Office chief Thorsten Frei has proposed reconsidering the incompatibility decision regarding the Left Party in light of the current political situation. Dobrindt finds this notion unfounded. While the government does not have a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, requiring the Greens and the Left for specific projects, Dobrindt rules out working with the AfD on legislative initiatives. However, he acknowledges discussions for "procedural decisions." Yet, the Union should not alter any previously made decisions. This suggests a potential conflict within the coalition, predicts Melanie Amann from Spiegel, who accuses the Union of equating the Left with the right-wing extremist AfD. The Union's incompatibility decision applies to both parties equally.
Dröge demands that the Union clarify its handling of the AfD. "There are two factions within the Union," she says, referencing Jens Spahn, who she believes is too close to the AfD. Dobrindt denies such accusations against Spahn. As for the AfD's assessment by the Federal Constitutional Protection Agency, Dobrindt is still undecided regarding subsequent actions.
Migration Overhaul: Dobrindt's First Decisions
In migration policy, Dobrindt has already made significant decisions. He aims to reinforce border controls, resulting in longer work hours for federal police officers, with some forced to work up to 20 extra hours per week in the upcoming three weeks. Meanwhile, critics argue that train stations will face reduced security personnel. Another debatable move from Dobrindt: Asylum-seekers can be rejected by police at the border in the future, though this change applies to individuals entering from a safe third country and excludes vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children, and those in need of special protection. Dobrindt asserts that he is not declaring a national emergency but is engaging with representatives of neighboring countries on the matter.
Dröge contends that Dobrindt is breaking European law with border rejection actions. "It's quite clear what we're doing," counters Dobrindt, "strengthening border security is essential to ensure applicants who demand asylum in Germany while entering from a safe third country are rejected because they've already visited at least one country that offers safety."
Sources: ntv.de
- Alexander Dobrindt
- Alliance 90/The Greens
- The Left
- CSU
- CDU
- Migration Policy
- The formation of the new German government, consisting of the CDU, CSU, and the Greens with opposition support, has experienced a challenging beginnings, raising questions about the coalition's long-term cooperation.
- political scientist Julia Reuschenberg speculates that the coalition has experienced significant setbacks, yet praises the smooth functioning of democracy during the election.
- green parliamentary group leader Katharina Dröge accuses the Union of having an inequitable stance towards the Left and the AfD in terms of incompatibility decisions, requesting clarity on the Union's handling of the AfD.
- Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has implemented changes in migration policy, including increasing border controls and allowing police to reject asylum-seekers from safe third countries, sparking debates about compatibility with European Union laws.
