As the new ministers in Brandenburg take the oath, Premier Dietmar Woidke (SPD) stressed that the coalition with the CDU is going to focus on cooperation. “Together we want to succeed – that is the new approach” he said on RBB‑Inforadio on Wednesday, pointing out that the government’s partnership must be built on teamwork.
Woidke acknowledged that disagreements will naturally arise within the coalition. His main point, however, is that the centre‑evolved parties must demonstrate a capacity for solution‑oriented politics so that ordinary citizens can feel it in their everyday lives. He said that recent years have seen a erosion of trust both at the federal level and in the state, and that rebuilding that trust is the significant challenge they face.
When asked why he is not calling for a confidence vote at this moment, Woidke said there was no need. “This coalition supports me, and that will become evident in the difficult debates we confront” he said. If the situation were to change, he might consider a confidence question, but he added that he would make that decision himself. In the meantime, he reminded the opposition that they have the option of a constructive vote of no confidence-a tool that could be used by those who believe a new premier or fresh elections are necessary.
