Berlin’s governing mayor, Kai Wegner of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has issued a stark warning to the national government, urging a cessation of internal political squabbling amidst rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Wegner’s criticism centers on the perception that partisan conflict is hindering efforts to address critical national challenges, particularly regarding the struggling German economy.
Speaking to “Der Tagesspiegel”, Wegner asserted the need for a “reasonable and pragmatic approach” from the federal government, arguing that the current level of political infighting is detrimental to problem-solving. He emphasized that the entire government bears responsibility for curbing this tendency, stating that insufficient attention is being paid to the country’s actual struggles.
A key area of concern highlighted by Wegner is the current economic climate. He expressed deep concern about Germany’s economic development, advocating for immediate measures aimed at alleviating the burden on businesses and bolstering the country’s industrial competitiveness. Increased investment in science and research, he insisted, is also paramount.
Beyond economic considerations, Wegner also targeted the government’s stance on social spending. He echoed the sentiment expressed by all 16 state premiers, arguing that current spending levels are unsustainable. He framed this as an “existential problem” for states and municipalities, necessitating urgent reform to ensure constitutionally compliant budgets across all levels of government.
Amidst ongoing speculation about potential CDU alliances, Wegner forcefully rejected any coalition partnerships with the AfD. He underscored the CDU’s commitment to maintaining a clear separation, condemning the AfD’s ideology as representing “a completely different societal vision, hate, incitement and division” definitively ruling out any collaborative efforts. His statement serves as a reinforcement of the CDU’s firm stance against engaging with the increasingly influential far-right party.
