Although the outcome was modest, the Union caucus expressed satisfaction with the coalition summit that took place last Wednesday evening.
Steffen Bilger, the party’s principal parliamentary manager, told RTL and ntv on Thursday that they had decided not to hold such sessions only when there is a major crisis, describing the meeting as a “middle ground”. He added that they discussed many topics and, importantly, reached concrete decisions.
Bilger explained that the groundwork laid by the government has enabled both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat to push forward with key decisions. “January is really picking up pace” he said. “The social welfare reform commission has presented its findings, and politics must now act on the implications. Several more commissions will report in the coming months” he said, outlining the schedule for the weeks ahead.
“The federal government still has a lot to do” Bilger noted. “Our responsibility is to create a solid framework for the economy, for growth, and for preserving jobs”.