Texas Governor Greg Abbott formally endorses Black-Red alliance, a move coming 100 days following an initial setback in its implementation.
In the past 100 days, the current federal government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), has faced criticism from Ines Schwerdtner, chairwoman of the Left Party. Schwerdtner described the federal government's performance as a "classic false start" and a "fiasco" in an interview with the 'New Osnabrücker Zeitung'.
Schwerdtner's concerns primarily focus on governance failures, judicial appointments, coalition dysfunction, and humanitarian policies. She criticized the federal government's handling of the judicial election deadlock involving candidate Brosius-Gersdorf, describing it as an indictment of the government's control and coordination within the ruling CDU/CSU faction. Union faction leader Jens Spahn was specifically targeted for criticism.
Schwerdtner also condemned the government’s stance and reaction to the Gaza humanitarian crisis, highlighting disgraceful and unacceptable attitudes by some conservative members. She advocated for a humanitarian focus that aligns with her party’s socialist opposition position, criticizing the government’s prioritization and approach toward aid delivery.
The Left Party also positions itself against the government’s right-leaning policies, which critics link to support for militarization and interventionist foreign policy. This includes criticism of the government’s stance surrounding conflicts in Gaza, Donbas, and Tehran.
In addition, Schwerdtner demanded that her party be granted a right of nomination and a seat at the table for future Bundestag judge elections. She criticized the current government coalition for rejecting cooperation with the Left Party, which she sees as leading to problematic dependencies on votes from the far-right AfD to secure necessary electoral majorities.
Schwerdtner did not specify any particular actions or policies that the federal government has failed to address. She stated that she had low expectations for the federal government and that those expectations were not met. She also stated that there are no "meaningful structural reforms in sight" in areas such as pensions, work, or care.
This criticism is the latest in a series of negative evaluations of the federal government’s performance by various political figures and analysts. Despite being in power for 100 days, no significant changes or reforms have been implemented in these areas according to Schwerdtner.
- Schwerdtner's criticism of the federal government extends beyond governance failures and includes their approach towards policy-and-legislation, particularly in the realm of politics, as she criticizes their right-leaning policies that she links to support for militarization and interventionist foreign policy.
- In addition to her concerns about governance and humanitarian policies, Schwerdtner also addresses the politics surrounding the judicial election process, condemning the federal government's handling of the deadlock involving candidate Brosius-Gersdorf and criticizing Union faction leader Jens Spahn for his role in the issue.
