Regarding the deadline for a vote of confidence in the Chancellor, the CDU/CSU cannot move fast enough. Although Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has indicated his willingness to meet the CDU/CSU in the discussion on the date of the confidence vote, his statement is not enough. Mathias Middelberg, vice-chair of the parliamentary faction, is therefore calling on Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to act. The Greens want more clarity from the Chancellor.
"I specifically call on the Federal President, also in this radio programme, to remind the Chancellor of his constitutional duties and to admonish him," the CDU politician told the radio station Deutschlandfunk. Without his own majority in the Bundestag, the Chancellor would have to call a vote of confidence. Even Scholz's announcement on Sunday that he could call a confidence vote in December is not enough for Middelberg. He had already called on the Chancellor to do so on Wednesday. The CDU leader Friedrich Merz had already demanded that Scholz do so.
The Bundestag is able to act
The member of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction stressed that the Bundestag would be able to act afterwards and could pass laws until new elections. The CDU/CSU is also prepared to vote in favour of laws that it believes urgently need to be implemented, such as the planned strengthening of the Federal Constitutional Court. However, Middelberg said the CDU/CSU would not agree to other laws, such as the pension package. That would be a task for the new government.
According to the constitution, Federal President Steinmeier plays an important role in this government crisis. Last week he was in contact with both Chancellor Scholz and the leader of the opposition, Friedrich Merz, with whom he wants to remain in close contact. Today he is in talks with the Minister for Economic Affairs and Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck. For the Federal President, the aim of the talks is to maintain political stability in Germany and to explore the possibility of a compromise. This includes an orderly procedure for new elections.
Frei: No further agreements necessary
Chancellor Scholz, who originally wanted to call a confidence vote in mid-January, in ARD's "Caren Miosga" He did not rule out taking this step as early as December. "It is no problem at all for me to call a vote of confidence before Christmas if everyone agrees," He said. He made his decision dependent on an agreement on the matter between the chairmen of the SPD and CDU/CSU parliamentary factions, Rolf Mützenich and Merz.
However, according to the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, this is unnecessary. "Scholz should not throw more smoke and mirrors now, but instead urgently call a vote of confidence," parliamentary secretary told Bild newspaper Thorsten Frei. No further agreements are necessary, Frei continued. "In this process, it is up to the chancellor to end the drama and open the door to a new beginning." In an interview with the Rheinische Post, Frei reiterated the CDU/CSU's demand that Scholz submit a motion of confidence to the Bundestag on Wednesday.
"It is not acceptable to put this off for weeks or months," said in morning broadcasts of ARD and ZDF Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt Rainer Haseloff.
The CDU politician stressed that Scholz had deprived himself of a majority by his decision. The Chancellor therefore now has a responsibility, "so that it does not cause further damage to Germany," Haseloff said.
Greens open to earlier election date
The Greens were open to an earlier vote of confidence. "We can imagine an earlier date," said the co-leader of the parliamentary faction Britta Haßelmann on ZDF television, but at the same time raised some reservations. The date must be chosen so that, "so that the parties can prepare for the elections", she stressed. It is important that "a little calm and seriousness came into the debate".
At the same time, however, the Green Party politician also criticized the Chancellor's contradictory statements: "Citizens don't want to hear today 'I'm the only one who decides' and tomorrow it will be announced 'oh, let the leaders of the parliamentary parties discuss when the appointment should be'," Haßelmann said. More clarity is needed.
Djir-Sarai: Now is not the time for tactics
The FDP General Secretary calls for this as well Bidjan Djir-Sarai. "We face huge challenges. No one can afford this stalemate in the world's third largest economy," he said on ZDF television. "There are very important decisions to be made now. Therefore, now is not the time to be tactical or to wait out problems. The country must now decide quickly where we are going."
Djir-Sarai stressed that a January election date is possible. It's not just "a question of organisation, but above all a political question", said the FDP politician. "And this political issue must be clarified and in my opinion this issue must be clarified quickly."
Election officials discuss preparations for the elections
Given the 60-day maximum period allowed by law for holding new elections after a lost vote of confidence in the Bundestag, the Federal Election Commissioner warned Ruth Brand logistical problems - for example, appointing electoral commissions or coordinating polling staff.
Today, Monday, Brand will discuss the election preparations with her provincial colleagues. According to the office. "a regular preliminary meeting to prepare for the elections, as is the case for every ordinary election to the Bundestag".
ARD/ gnews - RoZ
ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO - Xinhua
English 
Czech