Politicians from both the CDU and SPD are pressuring the federal government to end its public bickering. In what is described as an unusual alliance, Dennis Radtke, the chairman of the CDU’s labor wing, and Esra Limbacher, the spokesperson for the conservative SPD circle, are appealing directly to the coalition’s leadership.
Radtke told “Spiegel”, urging the parties to “pull themselves together and finally get moving” insisting they must focus on what truly matters: “How do we achieve growth? And how do we do this without endangering social peace in the country?”
Limbacher highlighted the need for the coalition leaders to act collectively, quoting former Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s sentiment that “what counts in the end is what matters”. He stressed that all key political figures must cease public dispute and begin achieving results, noting that both the SPD and the CDU have a shared obligation to make the necessary large-scale changes.
The internal disagreement within the coalition has intensified since Easter. Ministers have been criticizing each other regarding the proper response to the energy price crisis and the weakness of the economy. Limbacher observed that currently, “the loudest and shrillest voices in our parties are determining the public perception of the coalition” warning that some people are attempting to sabotage the political center. He concluded by calling on the rational and reasonable individuals within their own parties and the CDU to speak up and be more assertive.
