The Minister-President of Saarland, Anke Rehlinger (SPD), has cautioned against engaging in what she described as “constant culture wars” asserting that such debates are characteristic of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Rehlinger, in a recent interview, emphasized that the most pressing issues facing her region are not related to symbolic debates such as the use of gendered asterisks. She stated that citizens primarily raise concerns about more substantive matters.
Regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding a potential ban on the AfD, Rehlinger stressed that such legal action cannot substitute for direct political engagement. She underscored the constitutional framework which permits the prohibition of parties actively opposing the constitution, but highlights the necessity of addressing the concerns of their supporters through political discourse. Rehlinger affirmed her commitment to representing all citizens, stating her intention to engage with all voters, including those who support the AfD.
Rehlinger also addressed the need for adjustments within the social welfare system. She advocated for stricter consequences, including sanctions, for individuals who abuse social support by failing to adhere to agreements or attend scheduled appointments. Simultaneously, she acknowledged the importance of equitable burden-sharing in addressing increased expenditures anticipated next year. Rehlinger proposed exploring potential contributions from those with significant wealth, specifically mentioning inheritance tax, as a possible avenue before considering measures such as dismantling the social state or reducing pensions. She indicated that potential shifts in the position of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) regarding inheritance tax could present a valuable opportunity for coalition negotiation.
