Rocky Beginnings for the New Government: A Coalition on Shaky Ground
"Unfavorable beginnings overshadow this endeavor"
The newly-elected federal government has already faced some turbulence, with its inauguration proving more challenging than anticipated. In an unprecedented move, a federal chancellor has been elected in the second round—a circumstance that has left many questioning the strength of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In a relaxed conversation with Maybrit Illner on her show, Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt provided some insight into the government's initial difficulties and signs of hope. He underscored the challenges faced in striking a deal with coalition partners, the Greens, and the Left, but stressed that these obstacles had been conquered, and it was a positive sign that problems could be addressed constructively.
Green party leader Katharina Dröge, however, expressed concerns about the rough start the coalition had experienced, characterizing it as a symptom of a lack of trust in both Merz and the entire coalition. She emphasized that the leadership must address these concerns to ensure the coalition’s stability moving forward.
Partnership Limits
Thorsten Frei, the new Chancellor's Office chief, suggested that the Union might reconsider its exclusionary stance towards The Left, considering the current political climate. Dobrindt, however, opposed this idea, stating that while the government doesn't hold a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag, it must collaborate with the Greens and the Left for certain projects, cooperation with the right-wing extremist AfD was out of the question. He did admit that discussions concerning "procedural decisions" could include The Left but maintained the Union’s previous incompatibility decision stood firm.
The Union has faced criticism for equating The Left with the AfD, which melanie Amann from “Der Spiegel" believes could lead to internal conflicts within the coalition.
Migration Policy Debate
The new Federal Minister of the Interior, Dobrindt, has already taken decisive action in migration policy. He aims to strengthen border controls by increasing federal police overtime, which could lead to up to 20 additional hours worked per week. Critics argue this could lead to reduced staffing at train stations, while Dobrindt plans to reject asylum applications from those entering Germany from safe third countries. He affirmed that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and children, would be exempt from these rejections. Dobrindt emphasized the need to address the asylum issue, as it burdens Europe, particularly Germany. Differences in approach have been noted between Merz and Dobrindt, causing some confusion within the government.
Katharina Dröge argued that Merz has not been effective in European policy and expressed concern about the potential consequences of Dobrindt’s decisions, which she perceives as violating European law by rejecting asylum seekers at the border.
- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission are closely monitoring the shaky start of the EC countries' new government, particularly the tensions between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Green party leader Katharina Dröge.
- Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister of the Interior, addressed these concerns in a conversation with Maybrit Illner, highlighting the challenges in collaborating with the Greens and The Left but emphasizing the government's commitment to constructive problem-solving.
- The Union's incompatibility with The Left, despite the current political climate, remains unyielding, according to Dobrindt, despite suggestions from Thorsten Frei, the new Chancellor's Office chief, to reconsider the exclusionary stance.
- Differences in approach, particularly in migration policy, have been observed between Chancellor Merz and Federal Minister Dobrindt, with Katharina Dröge expressing concern that Dobrindt's assertive decisions might violate European law and burden EC countries, particularly Germany.
