The Saarland’s Minister-President, Anke Rehlinger (SPD), has staunchly defended Federal Labour Minister Bärbel Bas against criticism levied by employer associations, escalating a public dispute and highlighting underlying tensions within Germany’s political landscape. Rehlinger’s comments to the FAZ newspaper condemned what she described as the mockery of Minister Bas at an employer event, asserting that a forceful response from a minister known for her direct communication was “absolutely to be expected” and suggesting a conciliatory approach focusing on de-escalation. She clarified that the SPD’s stance isn’t one of class warfare, but rather a resolute advocacy for worker interests.
Beyond the immediate dispute with employers, Rehlinger has pointedly blamed the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) for the current unpopularity of the federal government. She argues that a series of “procedural errors” have significantly contributed to the government’s diminished public standing. Rehlinger maintains that while the government faces challenges, the responsibility for the negative trend lies primarily with the CDU’s actions. She emphasized that citizens expect efficient governance, not protracted internal squabbling.
Looking ahead, Rehlinger anticipates parliamentary approval for the planned pension reform on Friday, underscoring that the proposal has received unanimous endorsement within the government, including from Chancellor Scholz. However, she expressed concern over the recurring instances where the government fails to secure majority support within its own ranks. Rehlinger further criticized the CDU for generating “unrealistic expectations” during the last election campaign, specifically referencing CDU leader Friedrich Merz’s pronouncements regarding immediate economic prosperity under a CDU-led government. She also pointed to the CDU’s unfounded promises during the campaign concerning savings on citizen’s income (Bürgergeld). Rehlinger dismissed Chancellor Scholz’s announced “autumn of reforms” as ultimately unrealistic due to the governing coalition’s inflexible timelines, a factor she believes fuels public disappointment.
Addressing the concerning rise in support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Rehlinger attributes the trend partly to widespread anxieties surrounding the future. The latest polls in Saarland indicate a substantial climb in AfD support, reaching 23%, compared to just 5.7% in 2022. Rehlinger framed this as a mandate to instill reasoned hope for the future, “to ensure that people have a justifiable hope for the future and perhaps even rediscover a desire for tomorrow”. The situation, she suggests, demands a concerted effort to address the underlying fears driving voters toward populist alternatives.