The SPD has expressed approval for the presumably CDU-anticipated Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul (CDU). “Johann Wadephul is an experienced, knowledgeable and well-informed foreign policy expert” said SPD foreign policy representative Ralf Stegner to the “Tagesspiegel” (Monday edition). “He stands for a pragmatic, sober foreign policy and thus sets more pragmatic accents than Annalena Baerbock.” Wadephul, as a confidant of CDU leader Friedrich Merz, of course, “has a conservative profile” said Stegner. “But I appreciate him as a team player. The SPD could certainly work well with him and he would be a good choice as Foreign Minister.”
Stegner expressed more restraint regarding the potential education and family minister, Karin Prien. “Karin Prien is a liberal face in the Union and a smart woman. As the former education minister of Schleswig-Holstein, however, she has not left a significant impact” said the SPD politician. “It is thus more about ideological considerations rather than political achievements that Friedrich Merz wants to bring her to Berlin. Two ministers from CDU Schleswig-Holstein are certainly a success for Daniel Günther and the local party.” Wadephul, Prien and Stegner all hail from Schleswig-Holstein.