Günter Krings, the CDU’s Deputy Group Leader, welcomed Jens Spahn’s re-election as the CDU parliamentary group leader, viewing the move as a positive indication of political stability. However, he simultaneously urged the party to become more explicit and unambiguous, particularly when facing opposition from the SPD.
Speaking to “Welt” television, Krings stated that while they might not be solely responsible for the government’s stability, they do bear a major part of the responsibility. He rhetorically shared a common phrase he hears in constituencies: “You really have to slam your fist on the table”. His response, he explained, has always been that such displays are ineffective; success is measured by delivering results, not by aggressive posturing or publicly ridiculing opponents. While he concedes there is a temptation to be overly confrontational, the necessity of achieving good results usually forces restraint. Therefore, he concluded that internally, the party needs to increase its level of clarity and determination.
Krings observed that the re-election underscores the CDU’s commitment to stability. He clarified that this focus was not merely a sign of complacency, but rather a recognition of the serious nature of the current political climate, necessitating a maximally stable and sizeable Bundestag parliamentary group. When addressing Jens Spahn’s reported poor polling figures, Krings stated that nobody likes to be unpopular, but emphasized that “accountability comes eventually”.
More critically, he stressed the urgent need to advance ongoing projects. He noted that while the government delivered significant results during its initial months, the pace has since slowed. Krings demanded a return to the “old tempo” of rapid working.
Furthermore, he advised the party leadership to use its influence over SPD Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. Krings stressed that a finance minister must embody a commitment to saving and fiscal restraint, particularly regarding consumer spending. According to Krings, this expectation applies to every institution, including any SPD-run facilities. These demands-restraint and a willingness to save-are what the citizenry expects from the CDU and must be demonstrably delivered. He suggested that this focus could be framed as the CDU’s signature commitment.