Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister warns of coalition for CDU

Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister warns of coalition for CDU

in the political landscape of Germany, where the prerequisites for future coalitions are constantly changing, Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther has broadcast a clear message to the CDU. He advises not to categorically exclude the possibility of working with the Greens after the next federal elections. Günther, who is involved in a successful black and green government in Schleswig-Holstein, explains that it would be unbelievable to know that a coalition with the Greens is generally not possible.

"We cannot tell people that black and green generally does not work if the CDU and Greens in several countries, including the most populous, rule very successfully together," said Günther in an interview with the Funke Media Group. This statement shows that Günther has a pragmatic perspective on political cooperation and wants to promote a discussion culture within the democratic parties.

political differences

Politics lives from different opinions and strategies. While Günther keeps the doors open, other CDU representatives, such as Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder and Saxon Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, have a completely different view. In the past, Söder has clearly spoken out against a coalition with the Greens at the federal level. Kretschmer went even further and explained that a government participation of the Greens was “no longer under question” for the CDU because they failed due to their own requirements.

"A green government participation should help reconcile the conflict between economy and ecology. The opposite has happened," said Kretschmer. This opinion reflects the deep gap that has arisen between the different party directors and shows the tensions that are emerging within the Union. It seems clear that there is a variety of opinion within the Union when it comes to strategic orientation.

The next Bundestag election, which is scheduled for September 28, 2025, is already throwing a shadow on the growing tensions. This election day will be crucial for many parties, especially with regard to the question of coalition formation. If those involved to get over their differences, this could have a lasting impact on the political landscape of Germany.

outlook on the coalition negotiations

The way the parties deal with each other - especially with regard to possible coalitions - is seen by many as an indicator of future political stability. Günther warns that all democratic parties should stay in conversation in order to overcome differences and to discover new similarities. Instead of already setting up in a certain direction, it is better to check the wide range of options that could be available after the election.

"I would not aggressively advertise that only black and green in the federal government is an option," Günther signals a certain reluctance. At the same time, however, he appeals to the need not to exclude a collaboration in advance. Especially at a time that is characterized by political uncertainty, this could be crucial to gain the trust of voters.

political responsibility and pragmatism

In the current political discussion, Günther's pragmatism is a remarkable approach. While other politicians are still caught in old thinking patterns, Günther suggests a more flexible and open course. In this changing climate, it could be important who is ready to take the first step towards cooperation. The political positions and the strategic direction of everyone involved will have to develop in order to meet the challenges of the upcoming election.

political situation in Germany

The political landscape in Germany has changed significantly in recent years. Especially since the Bundestag election 2021, which marked the end of the Merkel era, new coalitions and political strategies have gained in importance. The traffic light coalition of the SPD, the Greens and FDP is now at the government, while the CDU is trying to reposition itself from the opposition. Daniel Günther, the Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, brings an important dimension into the discussion with his statements about the coalition options: the regional differences within the party and the experience from the state governments.

In several federal states, such as Schleswig-Holstein, the Greens are successfully ruled. This asks the question of the credibility of the CDU at the federal level, you should generally rule out such cooperation in the federal government. Günther addressed the concerns of party colleagues who reject a black and green coalition at federal level and pointed out that such an attitude could potentially spoil voters.

coalition dynamics in Germany

The dynamics of coalitions in Germany are characterized by a variety of aspects, including ideological differences, strategic considerations and the need to form a stable government. Historically, the CDU coalized both with the FDP and the Greens, whereby the results were different and the opinions within the party vary on the meaningfulness of such alliances.

An example from the past is the red-green coalition (1998-2005), which enabled both progress in environmental policies and on social issues, but also met with resistance within the coalition partner. The experience of this government can serve as a lesson for the current debates about possible coalitions. While the Greens promote modern, sustainable politics in many federal states, there are still conflicts about key questions such as economy and practical implementations.

Current surveys and voter opinions

Current surveys show a mixed image of the voter preferences regarding potential coalitions. A survey by the opinion research institute Insa from 2023 showed that about 55% of the voters consider it important that parties talk about coalitions after the election instead of excluding them in advance. This reflects the interest that the party is not only perceived as a strict advocate of its ideologies, but also compromises are made in order to form a government capable of acting.

In addition, a survey by YouGov shows that the voters of the CDU take a clear position on possible partners, with 47% of those surveyed considering cooperation with the Greens, while 30% are strictly against it. This split opinion makes it clear that it is important for the CDU to find a balance between its traditional values ​​and the current political challenges.

Information and data about such surveys can be viewed on the pages of dpa where current political reviews and trends are regularly published.

- Nag