“Then we would have announced it”
Wegner does not see the CDU’s K question as decided
January 2, 2024, 2:22 p.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
Saxony’s Prime Minister Kretschmer makes it clear that he sees the CDU’s candidacy for chancellor as decided. Berlin’s Governing Mayor Wegner contradicts this.
Berlin’s governing mayor Kai Wegner believes the question of his party’s candidacy for chancellor remains open. “If it had been decided, we would have announced it,” said Wegner in the early start of ntv. The CDU and CSU would clarify their candidacy for chancellor this year in an orderly process. “The prime ministers have to be involved, including the party leaders.” There is no question that CDU leader Friedrich Merz, as party and parliamentary group leader, is the favorite and has the first right of access.
Wegner, who is also head of the CDU regional association in Berlin, contradicted Saxon Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer. At the end of December, he told the Funke media group that the question of the Union’s next candidacy for chancellor had already been decided in favor of the CDU chairman. “Yes, I think so,” said the deputy CDU chairman in response to a question. However, Kretschmer also advocated that the candidates should only be chosen after the state elections in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg, which will take place in September. Merz himself has so far advocated that the question be decided in late summer 2024.
With a view to the recent New Year’s Eve, Wegner called for consistent condemnation of violent criminals. The governing mayor said he was pleased that more arrests had been made than in the previous year, but now those affected should also receive an appropriate punishment. “It is now in the hands of the judiciary, but that is my expectation and also my hope.” Anyone who thinks they have to let it all go and find attacks on the police and fire brigade normal needs to realize that the majority of Berliners see it differently. Exuberant celebrations are part of Berlin – but violence against emergency services must stop. In addition to repression, prevention is also needed.
Wegner rejects the firecracker ban
Wegner defended the large effort at the turn of the year with almost 5,000 police officers on the streets of the capital. “This year the situation has always been under control.” This is, among other things, thanks to the Berlin police. She was well prepared, but above all she had the backing of politicians – and this is a difference from previous years.
The CDU politician spoke out against banning private fireworks in order to relieve the burden on emergency services in the future. “I don’t want to punish 99 percent of Berliners who peacefully celebrate New Year’s Eve because a small minority thinks they can do whatever they want,” said Wegner. A ban on firecrackers cannot be enforced because there are still shopping opportunities.
In the debate about stricter citizens’ money sanctions, Wegner spoke out in favor of a step-by-step model. Anyone who refuses to do so should receive sanctions. If someone rejects the first job offer, they would have to have their citizen’s benefit cut by 25 percent and the second by 50 percent. “I’m telling you, on the fourth he goes to work,” said Wegner. He praised the federal government’s tightening of sanctions. The traffic light coalition obviously understood that the wrong incentives were being set. There is an enormous labor shortage in Germany. That’s why it must be clear: “Anyone who gets up in the morning, goes to work, and performs must have more than those who don’t want to work.”