ruth901
“No authority to kill the CDU”Merz settles accounts: Coalition row over SPD deals escalates!
Don't look for other majorities: Friedrich Merz.
ARD/Thomas Ernst
Frustration with the coalition partner is increasing in the Union. There is greater dissatisfaction with the compromises made, says Chancellor Merz to Caren Miosga. Things that bear the clear signature of the CDU/CSU are now also needed.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on his coalition partner SPD to treat things fairly. “There is increasing resentment in the CDU – including in the CSU – about compromises that we make with each other,” said Merz on the ARD program “Caren Miosga”.
As re-elected party leader, he was given “a lot of room for maneuver” by his party. “But I have no authority to kill the CDU.” His party didn't allow him to do that and he doesn't plan to do that either. “The Union must be included in this coalition, and we must also achieve things that bear our signature,” emphasized the Chancellor. This may not have worked well enough yet.
The background is critical statements from the Union parliamentary group about excessive concessions to the SPD. Merz emphasized that he wanted to continue governing with the Social Democrats. He agreed with the two SPD chairmen that there must be further reforms. “I'm not looking for another majority. But that shouldn't lead the SPD to think that they can do whatever they want with us,” said Merz. “This is still a coalition with a larger partner and a smaller partner,” he warned at the same time. Compromises are needed in the coalition. “And I have confidence that we can still do that.”
The Chancellor is not seeking cooperation with the AfD. “Forget the hope that there is something with a minority government and tolerance from the AfD. That is out of the question for me.”
Sources used: lme/rts
