Nathanael Liminski, the head of the North Rhine-Westphalia state chancellery (CDU), suggested that the Green Party should also be included in the reform process over the coming months. Speaking to Focus, the state minister stated, “We experienced with the special assets that discussions with the Greens took place too late”. He added that it is crucial for their political culture to engage in dialogue with such an important opposition party, especially since they also govern in the states, particularly regarding reforms. He emphasized that this engagement should not only occur, and not only when the party is needed for amendments to the Basic Law or otherwise in the Bundesrat.
Liminski also believes that the federal states themselves should be involved. He argued that discussions must happen “early”. The CDU politician continued by saying, “In a federal state, we need a shared understanding of the problems. This cannot be done by the press of a button, but it is essential. The financial situation of municipalities and states is dire. Therefore, every reformer has to discuss the financial status with the state premiers”.