Saxony's SPD leader: Merz does not live up to his claims

Saxon SPD leader Henning Homann is concerned about the image of the coalition with the CDU/CSU in the federal government. Following comments made by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the ARD program "Caren Miosga", he accused the CDU politician of not living up to his own standards.

"Instead of bringing this coalition together and leading this coalition, I am experiencing disputes. And I don't think that's what people want in these difficult times," said Homann in Dresden when asked. Instead, people wanted "things to be negotiated behind closed doors and then this coalition to start together."

Merz demands more willingness to compromise from the SPD

Merz had said in the broadcast, among other things. "I expect the SPD to show the same willingness to compromise as we do." His party has so far been very patient in its dealings with the SPD. "However, the SPD must also know that Compromise is not a one-way street. We both have to make them."

Pressure in the "engine room of this society" must not increase

Homann nevertheless expressed optimism about the future of the coalition in the federal government. Both parties are aware of their responsibilities, he said. At the same time, he wanted to focus once again on a "very fundamental issue". "If the CDU/CSU thinks it has to increase the pressure in the engine room of this society while the party continues on the sun deck of society, then it will not succeed. Then the people in this country will not follow a course of reform."

Homann emphasized that the people in this country know that something has to change, "that something will change". The SPD had made proposals that were not to everyone's liking, even within their own party and among SPD voters. People with the highest incomes should not be exempt from change. Otherwise, people in this country would be turned against them.