German Greens’ Realo Wing Calls for Tough Debates on Difficult Issues
In a bid to revitalize the party’s internal discussions and prepare for the future, the Realo wing of the German Greens has called for more robust debates on contentious topics, including the reform of the social insurance systems.
Sebastian Schäfer, the Realo coordinator in the Bundestagsfraktion, emphasized the need for the party to lead debates on challenging issues, such as the reform of the social insurance systems and to do so in a way that represents and engages with society. “It will take courage to lead debates on difficult topics, on which we are not in agreement and to do so in a way that is representative of and with society” Schäfer said.
The Realos have invited fellow party members to a meeting in Berlin in mid-July, with the aim of discussing the party’s recent electoral defeat and exploring the possibility of a new majority option. “One central question is: for what majority conditions will we be needed in the future?” Schäfer asked, inquiring how the party can regain its momentum and become a viable force once more.
In a contrasting view, Matthias Schimpf, a Hessian Greens local politician, has warned against a competition with the Left Party, describing it as the “wrong path.” Instead, he suggests the party should learn from the Free Democratic Party’s (FDP) post-election strategy and incorporate liberal elements, particularly in economic policy. Schimpf also believes the party should rethink its approach to climate change, positioning it as a core competency and transforming the party’s focus from “victims to participants.