Former Bundestag President Bärbel Bas (SPD) has called on the three coalition parties to stop fighting and instead congratulate each other’s successes. “All three government parties, both factions, all participants should not only fight for their own successes, but also congratulate the respective partner on their achievements” Bas told the “Tagesspiegel” (Saturday edition). “If we constantly envy the other, we have already lost.”
The future government wants to “govern constructively, instead of constantly arguing like in the coalition” said Bas. The motto of the coalition agreement “Responsibility for Germany” is “a commitment.”
Differences of opinion between the SPD, CDU and CSU are “no problem” said Bas. “But we should settle differences behind closed doors. People don’t want constant bickering on the open stage. The SPD should not try to hinder ideas from the Union just because they come from the Union. Or vice versa.”
During the coalition negotiations, Bas felt “a serious basis of trust” between the designee of the new Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and the designee of the new Vice Chancellor, SPD Chief Lars Klingbeil. “That’s good” said Bas. “Without a reliable axis between Friedrich Merz, Lars Klingbeil and Alexander Dobrindt, it won’t work. The same goes for the factions and their leaderships” said Bas. “Without trust, successful governance is difficult.” Merz will represent the entire country as Chancellor.
The three coalition parties will make decisions for the whole country. “Of course, there are portfolio responsibilities, but we need to look beyond our own interests” said Bas. So the SPD will “work with all our might for solid economic growth, regardless of who the CDU appoints as the Minister of Economics.” Looking at the CSU-led Ministry of Interior, she said: “Of course, the SPD will fight for a strong police force and internal security.”
Bas praised the nomination of three managers as ministers by the Union and hinted at a “surprise” in the SPD cabinet team. “Fresh air is essential. It’s good that the CDU is bringing external experience into the government” she said. “I’m sure the SPD team will offer a mix of experience and new faces. Perhaps we can even achieve at least one surprise.