In the face of a planned further vote in the Bundestag, where the Union could, with the help of the AfD, secure a majority for asylum restrictions, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) is urging a change of heart from Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz (CDU). “I understand if, after such dreadful attacks like the recent ones in Magdeburg and Aschaffenburg, members of parliament feel the need to present quick solutions” she told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (Friday edition).
“This, however, must not lead, even in election campaigns, to neglecting proven parliamentary ways of finding compromise in the legislature.” Even with far-apart positions, democrats must always remain in conversation with each other and find compromises. “It brings no benefit to either side to insist on maximum demands” she said.
Merz plans to secure a majority for the “Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz” (stream control law) presented by the Union months ago, even with AfD votes, on this Friday. Although Merz had assured, after the collapse of the Ampel coalition in the Bundestag, that he would not seek majorities with the AfD.
The SPD and the Greens are calling on Merz to abandon the vote. “Our parliamentary democracy is currently under pressure: We will only overcome our challenges for the good of our country if we always navigate in the democratic center, so that stable and reliable coalitions remain possible even after a hard election campaign” said Bas.
“If we give up this fundamental consensus, future government formations in the center will be difficult to impossible. At the very least, a serious damage to our democracy will then threaten” she added.
The Federal Government’s Eastern Commissioner, Carsten Schneider (SPD), accused Merz of having “without necessity and completely headlessly caused a dam break.” In the East, CDU and AfD are already working together “on a municipal and even state level” said Schneider to the “Spiegel”. The wall of separation has already developed cracks.
However, in the East CDU, the question of cooperation is also being discussed, said Schneider, who represents the constituency of Erfurt. “Engaged democrats support and hold each other up to prevent a dam break on the local level.” This has, however, become more difficult since the local and state elections last year.
“By normalizing cooperation in the Bundestag, Merz has taken away the ground from under the feet of these people on the local level, especially within the East CDU” criticized Schneider. “He is taking the far-reaching collateral damage in stride.