German Minister-President Stephan Weil of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) does not consider a government coalition with the Union a foregone conclusion.
“It would have to be a coalition that one could say with a good conscience: Yes, this could work out” he told the Welt. He believes that this coalition tackles many issues that need to be addressed in the interest of the citizens – and it also helps to strengthen democracy and ultimately the SPD. Weil also announced a “generational change” in the SPD’s party leadership.
The SPD politician expects that after possible coalition negotiations with the Union, the party base will also be involved in the decision-making process regarding a government coalition. “I’m going to assume, based on past experiences, that there will be a participation of party members” he said.
Weil considers the strengthening of democracy as the most important task of the next federal government. “We are facing four years in which democratic parties must clearly show that they deserve the trust of the people in this country. This requires, among other things, a consistent revitalization of the German economy. And it also requires a consistently pro-European policy.