A German liberal politician, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, a member of the European parliament and the presidency of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), has renewed her criticism of the Union’s chancellor candidate, Friedrich Merz, after an internal FDP chat became public.
In the chat, FDP Vice Wolfgang Kubicki had harshly criticized the social-liberal wing of the party, mentioning Strack-Zimmermann by name, after the failed vote on the cost-cutting law. Strack-Zimmermann told the news outlet “Welt” that making an alliance with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) would be a “no-go” for her and many of her colleagues. “It must be clear: the center stands and yes, we argue, we stress ourselves – but precisely within the democratic spectrum. And that’s where it belongs” she said.
Strack-Zimmermann views the discussion in the now public FDP chat as a normal part of a democratic culture of discussion. “Such internal chat protocols should be incorporated accordingly. Of course, we discuss it” she said. This is acceptable, as not only Friedrich Merz was criticized, but also the refusal of the Greens and the SPD to find a common solution.
“There are two things. The first is that Christian Dürr, the faction leader, called for a discussion where, on one side, Friedrich Merz, who wants to push through with his head and speculate on AfD votes and, on the other side, the Red-Green coalition, which was not willing to sit down at the table. That means Christian Dürr has, until the last minute, tried to retrieve it for the interior committee” she said.
“Then, that belongs there, to still negotiate in detail, to find compromises” she added, expressing regret that it was rejected on both sides. In such an existential question, one must find a common solution, as everyone knows that solutions must be found.
Strack-Zimmermann also believes that Merz’s proposal and the resulting debate have “certainly caused surprises” among the EU partners. There are some national parliaments in Europe where “the bear roams freely” in parliament, as she put it, but this is not the case in Germany. Instead, one expects a “sensible debate” from Germany, she said. “We must not forget that Germany is the largest country in Europe and it should have a real exemplary function. And I believe, one or the other has already had their eyes opened.