SPD might form a coalition with the CDU in Germany says expert

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Recent German election polls could be troubling for the EU. One candidate bidding to become the next Chancellor has even said a certain coalition could be an “extreme threat” for Europe. As election day draws closer the polls are getting tighter. Which coalition combo could be dangerous for the EU?

Unlike in the UK where coalitions are a rarity, in Germany they are commonplace.

It’s clear the results of the German elections this year won’t produce an outright majority party.

This means a coalition government will have to be formed – but some warn a certain party combo could be dangerous for the EU.

On September 26, voters will take to polling booths across Germany to elect the Bundestag.

In the final few weeks of the campaign trail, the gap between parties has narrowed in the polls.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD), Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Greens are all in with a chance of winning the most seats.

Whichever one wins the most seats overall will be in a position to form a coalition government with one or two other parties.

But Armin Laschet, leader of CDU, has made it clear he won’t use the Left party to form any coalition.

In fact, he has blasted his opponents for not ruling the Left party from their coalition plans.

Mr Laschet said: “If the far left were to participate in a German government, this would be an extreme danger for the European project.”

The Left party emerged from the remnants of East Germany’s Communist Party and are known for their far-left views.

The Economist reported that in early September leaders of the Left party proposed a “progressive alliance” with the SPD and the Greens.

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They put their case forward that they could achieve left-wing policies, such as higher taxes on the rich and rent caps.

Mr Laschet strongly warned voters that a German government involving the far left would be an “extreme threat” for Europe.

He condemned his rival Olaf Scholz, the SDP’s leader, for refusing to rule out a coalition with the Left party.

The SDP’s are narrowly leading in the polls as the CDU trail 4 points behind them according to Politico.

Mr Laschet believes the SDP would try to form a government with the Greens and the Left if the figures worked out.

He said the Left had “rejected every step of closer European integration”.

The Left has indeed rejected deals such as the Maastricht, Nice and Lisbon treaties designed to bind EU countries closer together.

The party also opposes free trade deals.
He added that government involving the Left “would have devastating consequences [for the EU], both in terms of security policy and trade policy.”

But the Left has dismissed Mr Laschet’s arguments.

Party co-chair Susanne Hennig-Wellsow told Politico: “The claim that the Left is against Europe and against trade agreements won’t become true just because the CDU/CSU constantly repeats it.”

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