Chatting it over: Union rethinks stance on the Left party
Union deliberates over alliance with the Left Party
In the wake of the grueling chancellor election, the Union finds itself considering a possible alliance with the Left party. Despite an incompatibility resolution in place, CDU's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei expresses openness to reconsidering this stance.
The CDU has been traditionally incompatible with the Left, as evidenced by a resolution passed in 2018. However, the current political circumstances demand a rethink. "We need to have conversations about this," Frei stated on ntv. Alas, abolishing the resolution swiftly is not an option.
The Electoral Drama: A Close Shave for Merz
In the early hours of the chancellor election, CDU leader Friedrich Merz was shockingly outvoted. To proceed with a second round of voting on the same day, CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and either AfD or the Left were required to form a majority.
The election highlighted the problems of achieving a two-thirds majority, prompting Frei to emphasize the importance of pragmatic solutions for the country's welfare over party interests.
Linnemann: The Resolution Remains
On Tuesday evening, CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann clarified that the incompatibility resolution remains intact. However, he hinted at future discussions when party congresses convene. The Union intends to continue engaging with the Left on a pragmatic basis, such as during organizational discussions in the Bundestag.
The Left's Clarion Call: Engage More
Left Party leader Ines Schwerdtner has urged the CDU/CSU to engage more closely with her party in the future. She hopes for cooperation, not just in times of crisis, but also on other political decisions requiring a two-thirds majority. Schwerdtner believes that democratic parties should be able to converse with each other.
It's worth noting that the Union did not engage in talks with the AfD, another party with an incompatibility resolution within the CDU. The Verfassungsschutz recently classified the AfD as "undoubtedly right-wing extremist."
Weidel's Response: Coalition Woes
On Wednesday, AfD leader Alice Weidel accused the CDU of wanting to "pact with the Left," predicting that a small coalition of Union and SPD would struggle to govern.
- The Left
- CDU
- CSU
- Friedrich Merz
Insights:1. Political Resolutions: The CDU's incompatibility resolution against the Left remains a hurdle despite recent political developments.2. Post-Election Analysis: The chancellor election revealed problems in achieving a two-thirds majority, prompting the Union to seek pragmatic solutions.3. Party Cooperation: The Left Party has called for closer cooperation with the CDU/CSU on future political decisions.4. AfD Classification: The Verfassungsschutz has classified the AfD as "undoubtedly right-wing extremist," suggesting ongoing differences with the CDU.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the incompatibility concerns between the CDU and the Left party, as evidenced by the resolution passed in 2018.
- In the face of humiliation in the chancellor election, the CDU's Chief of Staff Thorsten Frei, through WhatsApp messages with Kloeckner, expressed openness to reconsidering this incompatibility stance.
- In cultivating a pragmatic approach, the Union intends to continue engaging with the Left on a variety of policy-and-legislation issues, including political news and general matters, such as organizational discussions in the Bundestag.
- The AfD leader Alice Weidel, in response to the CDU's increased engagement with the Left, accused them of wanting to "pact with the Left," arguing that a small coalition of Union and SPD would struggle to govern, similar to the challenges faced in congresses.
