The possibility of a minority government at the federal level is raising serious concerns within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), with Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer issuing a stark warning against its implementation. Speaking to Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, Kretschmer, who leads a minority government in Dresden through a coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), cautioned that such a structure is ill-suited for the challenges currently facing Germany.
Kretschmer emphasized the critical need for stability, decisive majorities and the ability to enact timely decisions – qualities he believes are severely hampered by the inherent instability of a minority government. While acknowledging that experience in Saxony demonstrates the “possibility” of a minority government functioning, he stressed that this success is predicated on “special circumstances” namely a willingness to engage in dialogue despite differing viewpoints.
Addressing the efficacy of the current black-red coalition at the federal level, Kretschmer expressed considerable doubt. “They have certainly not yet proven it” he stated, implying a lack of tangible progress and raising questions about the government’s ability to address pressing national issues.
The warning carries a pointed political dimension. Kretschmer’s statement underscores a growing impatience within the CDU regarding the government’s legislative agenda, particularly the pace of regulatory reform. He delivered a thinly veiled criticism, asserting that “the time is running out” and urging the ruling coalition to recognize that “the success of the government and the future of our country depend on deregulation”. This implies that further delays in easing bureaucratic burdens could jeopardize Germany’s economic competitiveness and overall stability, potentially fueling internal pressure within the CDU to explore alternative political strategies.