The German government’s transatlantic coordinator, Metin Hakverdi of the SPD, has expressed concerns regarding the current political climate in the United States ahead of next week’s regional elections, while dismissing the prospect of a third term for Donald Trump. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post” Hakverdi argued that the most pressing threat to American democracy isn’s Trump’s attempts to advance his agenda through executive orders, but rather the unwavering support he commands within the Republican party.
“The most problematic aspect isn’t necessarily President Trump’s attempts to execute his agenda through decrees” Hakverdi stated. “More concerning for the democratic structure of the US is the extent to which Republicans follow him and adopt his policies in both houses of Congress. He exerts maximal influence over what transpires within the party, leaving little room for corrective mechanisms.
While acknowledging the potential for disruption, Hakverdi downplayed the possibility of Trump attempting a constitutional challenge to secure a third presidential term. He claimed to have spoken with numerous Republicans in the US who would not endorse such an effort.
However, Hakverdi’s assessment extends beyond Trump’s potential ambitions, highlighting internal divisions within the Democratic party as a significant challenge. The possibility of Zohran Mamdani, a left-leaning candidate, being elected mayor of New York City – a prospect that garnered limited party-wide support – is seen as a potentially destabilizing factor. Mamdani’s victory could precipitate a contentious ideological battle within the Democratic ranks.
Regarding the nomination process for the next Democratic presidential candidate, Hakverdi indicated that it is premature to speculate. He characterized the party as still recovering from the 2020 defeat and anticipates a highly competitive, protracted primary race with numerous contenders rising and falling before a final decision is reached. The coming months are expected to reveal a renewed struggle for the party’s direction and identity as it seeks to regain lost ground in the American political landscape.