A German politician, Ralf Stegner, has warned the Union not to underestimate the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in coalition negotiations and to refrain from setting maximal demands. According to Stegner, the Union lacks an absolute majority and therefore cannot expect “discount prices” from the SPD. The SPD will not compromise on its social democratic principles, including in social policy, in order to form a coalition with the CDU/CSU.
Stegner expressed doubts about Friedrich Merz’s suitability for the office of Chancellor, citing Merz’s initiative to hold a vote on the asylum package with the tolerance of the AfD, which Stegner still holds against. Stegner described this as a “taboo break” and a “breach of given words” that raises significant doubts about Merz’s suitability for the office of Chancellor.
Although Stegner emphasized that the SPD will not adopt a policy of refusal, he also made it clear that the party will not allow a right-wing government to come to power. A coalition with the AfD has been ruled out by Merz for the Union, but not by Stegner, who acknowledged the SPD’s responsibility to the country and would not allow a right-wing government to take power.