FDP leader Lindner has predicted CDU Chief Merz will become the next Chancellor amid the controversy surrounding early elections. Chancellor Scholz is set to address the nation regarding the government’s future and confidence issues. The CDU is open to assisting the minority government on urgent legislation, while the AfD has moved its party congress to January to prepare for the elections. Concerns have been raised about the February 23 election date, particularly regarding its timing with school holidays, as the traffic light coalition gains new members following its dissolution.
FDP Leader Lindner Predicts CDU Chief Merz as Next Chancellor Amid Early Election Controversy
Chancellor Scholz Addresses the Nation
In the wake of the traffic light coalition’s breakdown, Chancellor Scholz is scheduled to deliver a government statement in the Bundestag on Wednesday. This address is anticipated to cover the impending Bundestag election and the pressing issue of confidence within the government.
Following the Chancellor’s statement, a two-hour discussion among parliament members will take place, along with an additional current hour requested by the AfD faction to discuss ‘No standstill in parliament – utilize issue-related majorities’. Earlier that day, the federal cabinet of the now red-green minority government will convene.
Legislative Hurdles for the Minority Government
What legislative measures can the red-green minority government successfully advance in the Bundestag? The likelihood of passing various laws fluctuates significantly; the SPD and Greens may collaborate with the FDP on some initiatives, while others might see support from the Union.
The opposition Union has indicated that they are willing to assist the minority government with several urgent projects. CDU faction manager Frei mentioned the return of the supplementary budget for 2024 to the budget committee, along with potential legislation aimed at enhancing telecommunications monitoring during home burglaries.
New Finance Minister Jörg Kukies is optimistic about several legislative initiatives being enacted. He highlighted the priority of measures from the growth initiative designed to bolster the economy and laws that have been thoroughly discussed in parliament, according to his remarks at a Süddeutsche Zeitung event.
Merz: February 23 Election Date is Acceptable
Initially, Union faction leader Merz advocated for an early election on January 19. However, he expressed satisfaction with the compromise of February 23, calling it ‘a good solution’ during a gathering of CDU/CSU members of parliament.
Despite his contentment, Merz criticized the delay, noting that the new election date costs approximately a month in the process of electing the next Bundestag and forming a government. He acknowledged that a campaign right after the New Year would pose numerous challenges, reiterating that crucial decisions could still be made in the Bundestag before the election. Yet, he confirmed that the Union would refrain from making decisions until the confidence question is resolved.
AfD Moves Party Congress to January
In response to the upcoming Bundestag election, the AfD has rescheduled its federal party congress, originally set for March, to January. Co-party leader Alice Weidel confirmed this adjustment, although she has not disclosed specific details regarding the date or venue. The congress aims to finalize the election program and officially nominate Weidel as the party’s candidate for chancellor.
Weidel criticized the ongoing debate surrounding the confidence question and election date, arguing that both should have been expedited further.
No State Elections Before Bundestag Vote
State elections will not take place prior to the Bundestag election. The citizens’ election in Hamburg is set for March 2, one week after the February 23 Bundestag vote. Consequently, Hamburg residents will have two elections within an eight-day span.
The Left Party in Hamburg has condemned the election date as ‘disrespectful to Hamburg voters.’ The SPD, which supported a March date, believes they can regain their position as the strongest force in Hamburg under First Mayor Peter Tschentscher and wanted to carry that momentum into the Bundestag election, a move the Union opposed.
Officially, an election delay is not being considered by the Hamburg Senate. Advancing the Hamburg citizens’ election would necessitate a resolution from the state parliament.
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AfD Advocates for Earlier Bundestag Elections
The AfD has voiced that the Bundestag election should occur sooner. ‘Our stance is quite clear: elections should be held as soon as possible,’ stated Dennis Hohloch, the parliamentary manager of the AfD faction and a member of the party’s federal board.
Looking ahead to the election campaign, Hohloch believes the AfD is well-prepared. ‘We anticipate a brief but intense campaign,’ he remarked, assuring that the party has a timeline in place for making timely decisions regarding their program and top candidate Alice Weidel.
Concerns Over Early Election Date
The February 23 date for the early Bundestag election has drawn criticism from various federal states, particularly those with school holidays. Sören Pellmann, a Saxon Bundestag member and co-chair of the Left Group, labeled the election date ‘completely irresponsible,’ noting that it coincides with the significant winter holidays in Saxony.
While February 23 does not conflict with school holidays in most regions, it does overlap with the winter break in Saxony, which runs from February 17 to March 1, and in Saarland, where winter holidays commence on February 24, right after the election weekend.
What Lies Ahead Before the New Elections?
A political consensus has emerged regarding a new election date, and discussions about the confidence question are gaining traction. What is the process for dissolving the Bundestag, and who will lead in the interim? Here’s a brief overview of the anticipated sequence of events.
Traffic Light Coalition Gains New Members
Following the dissolution of their coalition, the traffic light parties have experienced a surge in new memberships. ‘Since last Wednesday, over 5,500 individuals have joined us,’ reported Emily Büning, the political federal manager of the Greens, in Berlin. This past week has been described as the ‘strongest week in our party’s history’ concerning new memberships, with November marking the most significant month since tracking began.
The other two coalition parties have similarly welcomed a considerable number of new members since the coalition’s collapse last Wednesday, with FDP Secretary General Bijan Djir-Sarai noting approximately 130 new sign-ups.