A leading figure within Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has cautioned the governing coalition is facing significant internal tensions, potentially jeopardizing its stability. Ralf Stegner, a member of the Bundestag, expressed concern over a faction within the CDU/CSU parliamentary group appearing willing to leverage the parliamentary strength of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a tactical instrument.
In remarks published Friday, Stegner warned that if this tendency isn’t addressed within the conservative bloc, it could not only dismantle the current governing arrangement but also impede the aspirations of CDU leader Friedrich Merz to secure the chancellorship in future elections.
While acknowledging the SPD’s current polling numbers aren’t favorable, Stegner emphasized the party’s resolve to assert its position and prevent a repeat of past contentious scenarios, referencing a recent dispute involving parliamentary procedure.
Stegner anticipates a particularly challenging autumn for the coalition, highlighting substantive disagreements that remain to be resolved. He stressed the critical need for effective communication and a well-considered approach to social reforms, emphasizing that the SPD cannot afford a repeat of the controversial Hartz IV welfare reforms introduced two decades ago. He called for strong leadership from both the Chancellor and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader.
Legally, the collapse of the coalition would not automatically necessitate a vote of confidence or the end of Merz’s chancellorship. However, a fractured government would likely be reliant on support from opposition parties-including the AfD, SPD, or a combination of the Greens and Left-to pass legislation and approve the national budget, creating a precarious and potentially unstable political landscape.