Thorsten Frei, chairman of the CDU faction in the Bundestag, asserts that there is no coalition dispute regarding the high requirements planned for nationalizations (or expropriations) by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. Frei told the television channel Welt that the constitutional concerns raised by Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig about Dobrindt’s draft are “rather of a formal nature” and therefore resolvable.
The CDU politician added that “this law is going to come, because we already decided on it in the coalition committee in the summer, so it just needs to be implemented now.”
Frei explained that while the process must align with Article 14 and Article 15 of the Basic Law, he believes the crucial point is to clearly stipulate that any expropriations or nationalizations must still be compensated. This compensation must be calculated to match the market value.
He expressed optimism that Dobrindt and Hubig will find a mutual solution during the legislative process. The ministers have already been communicating on the issue. “Regarding the point I just mentioned, there are no reservations from the Minister of Justice. They are of a formal nature. The Interior and Justice Ministries are working on this,” said the Union faction leader.
Frei noted that both ministries are leading the charge on this matter, with the Interior Minister acting as the technical lead. “Because of this, Alexander Dobrindt and Stefanie Hubig are in constant discussion to clarify this exact question and to fulfill the mandate of the coalition committee from July 1st. This mandate has not been called into question by anyone, including Ms. Hubig.”
