At its winter retreat, the CSU is primarily looking towards Berlin – and doesn’t leave the federal government in good stead. Dobrindt emphasizes: The Union is the political alternative to the traffic light.
With renewed calls for a new election as soon as possible and a lot of criticism of the traffic light government, the winter retreat of the CSU members of the Bundestag began in Seeon Monastery. “There has never been a government that had so little trust among the population,” said CSU leader Markus Söder to journalists shortly before the opening. In addition, the SPD, FDP and Greens no longer trust each other in government.
In football, in such a dire situation, the coach would be fired in the middle of the season, said Söder. “I believe that the change of coach, i.e. the change of chancellor, alone would not achieve anything, but a new election is generally needed. This is the only way to restore trust.” In his view, a quick new election offers the chance to prevent the AfD from gaining further strength.
Dobrindt calls for a vote of confidence
The traffic lights have caused unrest in Germany, emphasized CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt. “What we are currently experiencing in terms of polarization in society, the economic downturn, the migration crisis, the unresolved energy issues, the disorder, is closely linked to the traffic light’s disrespectful policy.” 80 percent of people no longer trust the government to be able to cope with the country’s challenges. “The traffic lights are simply finished. And that’s why it would be necessary for the Chancellor to ask the German Bundestag for a vote of confidence.”
The CSU wants to show with its retreat that the Union is “not a variant of a traffic light government,” but rather the political alternative, Dobrindt continued. Not only does she reject the traffic light policy, after the next election she will also work to ensure that undesirable developments are reversed in government responsibility. He cited the abolition of the heating law and citizens’ money as examples.
CSU for the construction of new nuclear power plants
Söder added that from the CSU’s point of view, nuclear power must also be revived, including through the construction of new reactors. Furthermore, Germany must ensure that it remains or becomes self-sufficient in the production of food and builds up the Bundeswehr in such a way that it is actually capable of defending itself.
Söder criticized that the traffic light lacked the courage to ask citizens a question of trust through new elections. He referred to the year 2005, when the then Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD) took this step, which at least ensured the SPD continued participation in government.
With a view to future alliances, Söder clearly rejected coalitions with the Greens – middle-class voters would be deterred by this. “So I think a Germany coalition, if nothing else would do, is still better than a Jamaica coalition at the moment.” An alliance between the Union and the SPD – if necessary also with the SPD and FDP – would inspire more trust among the majority of citizens than any other coalition – including the traffic light.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
