Grünen- und Linke-Chefs kritisieren Friedrich Merz für angeblich einseitige Kabinettsbesetzung
The leaders of the Green and Left parties have criticized incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) for allegedly prioritizing the interests of the economy in his cabinet appointments.
According to Green Party chief Felix Banaszak, as quoted by the “Tagesspiegel” Merz is making the perspectives of specific parts of the economy into government policy. “Merz is in the process of forming a cabinet for the rich and powerful” said Left Party chief Jan van Aken, also in an interview with the “Tagesspiegel” adding that the recent case of designee Wolfram Weimer, who has a conflict of interest as the potential culture minister, fits the picture perfectly.
Mediabusinessman Weimer operates the titles “The European” “Wirtschaftskurier” “Börse am Sonntag” and “Business Punk” through his Weimer Media Group. As culture minister, he would also be responsible for the state-owned international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, which publishes journalistic articles on its online platforms.
Banaszak also criticized the nomination of energy manager Katherina Reiche as economics minister. He pointed out that Reiche, as head of the distribution network operator Westenergie, had spoken out against a rapid exit from coal by 2030. “The future economics and energy minister has lobbied on behalf of those who want to earn money with fossil fuels for as long as possible” said Banaszak. “It is therefore to be feared that a restoration of fossil energy consumption will be directed from the ministry.