Hessian Minister-President Boris Rhein (CDU) has publicly demanded that the federal government fundamentally restructure both its policies and its communication strategies. Speaking to the “Tagesspiegel”, he criticized the current reform debate, arguing that many people feel a distinct lack of empathy and common sense. He contended that instead of developing balanced reforms, the federal government tends to present increasingly threatening measures every day.
Rhein stated that the government must develop a comprehensive reform package in a protected environment before presenting it together to the public, emphasizing that the public must understand the core narrative or purpose of these proposed changes. He cautioned against creating the perception that the middle class is being undermined, stressing that the opposite is true.
Calling for a “reform restart” Rhein outlined a package designed to foster growth while simultaneously providing greater security for citizens. He echoed similar sentiments expressed by CDU leader Friedrich Merz, who stressed that the nation must be “substantially reformed without losing its people”. Beyond necessary changes to labor markets, the social safety net, and energy and corporate taxation, Rhein advocated for a “protection shield for families”. Specific proposals include reversing the reduction in parental benefits, allowing young parents to purchase their first home tax-free, and making childcare services more tax-deductible for families.
From the viewpoint of the CDU politician, both the CDU/CSU and the Social Democrats (SPD) are currently hindering their own efforts. Rhein asserted that the black-red federal coalition has already achieved more than some realize, but these successes are often undermined by poor coordination and communication.
Reflecting on recent intra-coalition disagreements, Rhein also appealed to the federal coalition members for greater discipline. He stated that the most crucial requirement right now is to stop publicly criticizing one another. He applied this advice even to his own local black-red alliance in Wiesbaden, acknowledging that while debates are heated behind the scenes, the public must only see a unified solution.
Despite the current unfavorable trend in polling, Rhein remains convinced that the political trajectory can be reversed and that a major electoral fail-referring to the far-right party-can be prevented during the late summer state elections. While describing the current polling rates as “concerning” the Hessian head of government continued by assuring the newspaper that the far-right party will not become a ministerial power in Germany, a feat he believes requires a sharp and effective electoral campaign.