Cannabis also on hit list
Merz wants to reverse traffic light decisions
27.07.2024, 10:08 a.m.
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Cannabis legalization has only been in force for a few weeks. But it could fall victim to a change of course if the Union wins the next federal election. And if CDU leader Merz has his way, the chances of that happening are good.
The Union is planning a political change of direction in the event of a victory in the upcoming federal election. “We are aware that if we take over the government, changes in the government’s course must quickly become apparent among the population so that we can achieve a change in mood,” said CDU leader Friedrich Merz to the “Welt am Sonntag” newspaper. Discussions about details are still ongoing, but the legalization of cannabis will most likely be reversed.
The legalization of the drug is currently triggering an “explosion of organized crime with gang wars that we can hardly imagine being more brutal,” said Merz. In the Netherlands, people are stunned when they look at Germany. Therefore, “swift action is required after the change of government.”
Merz believes the Union will get “35 percent and more” in next year’s federal election. Merz also specified further goals for the Union in the election: “We want to be by far the strongest faction. If possible, we should only need one coalition partner. And we should be able to choose between at least two factions in the Bundestag with whom we will work together if necessary,” he said.
In surveys, the Union has long been at 30 percent or slightly higher. When asked what the Union wants to do to get the votes it needs to achieve these goals, the CDU leader said: “This week we are at 32 percent. And when the outstanding personnel decisions are made, the Union will gain even more, I am sure of that.” By “personnel decisions” Merz was referring to the still open question of the Union’s candidate for chancellor in the federal election.
“First, the two party leaders will make a joint proposal,” said Merz, referring to CSU leader Markus Söder, about the procedure. “And we will then discuss this with the state leaders.” Söder is a successful state premier. The CDU and CSU treat each other as equals and with mutual respect. “This also applies to the answer to who will be the Union’s candidate for chancellor,” said Merz. When asked whether he had already decided whether he wanted to be the candidate for chancellor, the CDU leader said: “I have decided to clarify the question amicably with Markus Söder in late summer.”