SPD’s condition towards Merkel: Stop the Austerity

Merkel comes to the negotiating table in order to create a strong coalition. At the same time, the primary contender for being her coalition partner, the Social Democrats, are pressing her hard to put an end to the harsh austerity that has brought southern Europe on its knees.

The Social Democrat European Parliament President Martin Schulz called on the Chancellor to think seriously about the social problems of people in Europe. We must take initiatives to tackle high youth unemployment in the countries under crisis, Martin Schultz said in an interview with Der Spiegel.

His remarks are interpreted as a specific condition for CDU/CSU in order for SPD to participate in a coalition government. Referring to the austerity policy implemented in Europe, Schultz says that "Merkel will not be able to continue this policy."

The German newspaper Bild, highlights the skills of the German Chancellor stating the reasons why "mother Merkel is loved by the German people." Her determination and calm inspiring words in conjunction with the fact that she has the reins of an economically strong country that has no unemployment, make her particularly approachable to German citizens.

Merkel’s team is now thinking of the "sharing of the pie." There are two ministries that are not going to be negotiated with the government partners, whoever they may be, Greens or Social Democrats, the German press notes: the ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Finance.

 

According to Bild, Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer claimed that his Christian Social Party (affiliated with the Christian Democrats) has no mood to negotiate with the Green Party (Grune). If Merkel does not want to spoil his wish she will not extend the hand of friendship to the party of environmentalists, however, as announced by her office, CDU is open for cooperation with SPD and the Greens.

 

At the same time, the Social Democrats have consecutive meetings to decide on the terms they will put to the German Chancellor in order for them to participate in the new government. Sigmar Gabriel will negotiate with Merkel, the German press highlights, noting that Steinbrueck has clarified that he would not like to participate once again in a government under Merkel.