Coalition negotiations: Union and SPD: Progress in finance – but “a lot to do”

The Union and SPD are progressing in their coalition negotiations – even with the greatest issue of finances. According to the participants, an agreement this week is rather not to be expected. “I am convinced that we will go into the next week, there is still a lot to do,” said SPD leader Saskia Esken before another round of talks in Berlin.

SPD and Union would be significantly closer to all points. “That is really hopeful, not for us, but for the country, for people,” said Esken. At the same time, however, it is “a daily change of change because still very, very different parties negotiate.”

“Don’t let go of dissent”

Similarly, CSU state group leader Alexander Dobrindt commented on the negotiations on financial issues. “We find movement there,” he said. But it is still talking about where you can save realistically. “It is crucial for us that savings potential are realized. Suggestions for this, they are then on the table and have to be discussed.”

It is not about building time pressure, but working through the points cleanly. “We don’t want to create a dissent that is unsolved and later causes difficulties.” It takes time to develop mutual understanding.

Finance further topic No. 1

Even today, the negotiators want to talk intensively about finances in different rounds. “It is simply important that all measures are on solid financial feet,” said Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD). The many topics could not be dealt with in a few days. However, the goal is a conclusion “as quickly as possible”.

Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) said: “We notice in public: Many want these coalition negotiations to come to an end.” It just takes this time and this intensity to get good solutions. The SPD must understand that all of this must now have priority that leads to economic growth.

Urgent business appeal

At the Union and SPD, around 100 business associations are able to consider the interests of companies more into account in their negotiations. Germany is in a severe economic crisis that is mainly homemade, according to an explanation.

“But the participants of the coalition negotiations are apparently unimpressed by these developments. Their previous intermediate results are inadequate and do not take into account the accumulating situation in the companies and operations. What has been available so far ignores the growing economic challenges in many areas,” criticize the associations.

In the coalition negotiations, it should not be about who symbolically prevail. Among other things, the tax burden on companies must be noticeably reduced. Reforms are also required for social security systems. The future government also has to give the highest priority to reduce bureaucracy loads, warn the associations. Finally, they expect measures to reduce the high energy costs.