Hamburg Finance Senator Andreas Dressel has cautioned the Social Democratic Party (SPD) against moving too far to the left in its political platform. According to Dressel, “pragmatic politics for the working middle class, with a focus on social justice, works” a sentiment he expressed to the “Tagesspiegel”‘s Sunday edition.
He cited the successful coalitions in Hamburg and Lower Saxony as examples, suggesting they should serve as a model for the party. Furthermore, Dressel urged the SPD not to undermine its own achievements, pointing specifically to the Citizens’ Income reform as an example. He warned, “If we achieve compromises and then immediately talk them apart, we present a vague picture to the public. People will only take away that the SPD tried to block reforms” concluding that this approach benefits no one.
To better appeal to the working middle class, his advice involves cultivating “less self-sabotage and more unity”. Dressel also noted a perceived imbalance in the party’s discourse, stating, “We talk too much about social benefits and too little about work, performance, and advancement”. He agreed with Lars Klingbeil’s focus on increased incentives to work, calling it the correct direction.
Last week, the finance minister presented several reform proposals during a major policy speech. Dressel feels that Klingbeil successfully stirred the party into action, adding, “Within the SPD, many people were still not in a reform mindset”. He also voiced support for the leadership pairing of Klingbeil/Bas. “People want results, not intra-party therapy sessions” Dressel stated. “Both are elected; now everyone must help ensure that they, and the SPD as a whole, are successful”.
Dressel also directed criticism toward Bavaria’s Minister-President, Markus Söder (CSU). He pointed out the inconsistency in other political figures’ calls for the SPD to be ready for reform, noting how, “When our party chairman takes a step forward-and from Munich, all we get is bickering. That is not the constructiveness we need”.
